Wildlife

Wild Bird Lead Exposure from Hunting

Raptors and scavenging birds suffer lead poisoning from ingesting fragments in gut piles and spent shot left by hunters.

Key Facts

Lead shot fragments spread widely through carcasses and gut piles
Bald eagles are the most commonly reported lead poisoning victims in North America
Condor recovery is severely compromised by ongoing lead exposure
Non-toxic copper ammunition performs equivalently and eliminates the problem

Welfare Considerations

Lead poisoning causes prolonged suffering before death, including neurological damage, weakness, and slow organ failure. The availability of non-toxic alternatives makes continued use of lead ammunition a preventable welfare and conservation problem.

What You Can Do

Advocate for mandatory non-toxic ammunition in all hunting
Support voluntary non-toxic ammunition switch programs for hunters
Donate to raptor rehabilitation centers treating lead poisoning
Educate hunters about the lead poisoning problem and non-toxic alternatives