Bald eagles and other raptors suffer significant lead poisoning from ingesting lead ammunition fragments in gut piles left by hunters. This preventable welfare crisis affects thousands of birds annually.
Lead poisoning causes a prolonged, distressing death for affected raptors. Early signs include lethargy, loss of coordination, and inability to fly — animals found in this state have typically been suffering for days. As poisoning progresses, seizures and paralysis precede death. Birds rescued at this stage require intensive supportive care with chelation therapy, and survival is not guaranteed. Because lead ammunition alternatives perform equivalently and are widely available, this is an entirely preventable welfare harm. The California condor recovery story demonstrates that ammunition transitions — when supported by education rather than mandated — can succeed.