Wildlife Conservation

Wild Bald Eagle Lead Poisoning Recovery

Bald eagle recovery success stories are threatened by ongoing lead poisoning from ingesting carcasses and gut piles containing lead ammunition.

Key Facts

Lead poisoning is the most common cause of illness in bald eagles
Eagles consume gut piles and wounded prey containing lead fragments
Blood lead levels in eagles in some areas remain dangerously high
Copper ammunition eliminates the problem effectively

Welfare Considerations

Eagles that ingest lead experience progressive neurological deterioration including tremors, paralysis, and inability to fly or feed. Death is often preceded by days of suffering from neurological impairment. Despite being legally protected, bald eagles continue to suffer lead poisoning at scale from ammunition use that is legal and common. The available solution is simple and already adopted by many ethical hunters.

What You Can Do

Switch to non-toxic copper ammunition for all hunting
Support lead ammunition phase-out legislation
Participate in hunter outreach programs about non-toxic alternatives
Donate to eagle rehabilitation programs that treat lead poisoning