Wildlife

Osprey and Raptor Lead Poisoning

Lead poisoning from ammunition fragments in gut piles and carcasses is a significant cause of raptor mortality, causing neurological damage and painful death in birds including eagles and ospreys.

Key Facts

Studies find lead fragments in deer gut piles extend over a 10-meter radius from where ammunition entered the animal
Bald eagle blood lead levels spike during deer hunting season as eagles scavenge gut piles
Copper ammunition performs equivalently to lead for hunting accuracy and is widely commercially available
California banned lead hunting ammunition statewide in 2019 with demonstrated reductions in condor lead levels

Welfare Considerations

Lead poisoning in raptors causes neurological deterioration over days to weeks including loss of coordination, inability to fly, and eventual death. Birds that consume lead-contaminated gut piles or carcasses are victims of a preventable toxic exposure. The transition to copper ammunition eliminates this source of raptor suffering without compromising hunting effectiveness.

What You Can Do

Use copper ammunition instead of lead for all hunting and encourage others to do the same
Support lead ammunition bans in state and national hunting regulations
Donate to wildlife rehabilitation centers that treat lead-poisoned raptors
Advocate for lead-free ammunition to be required near critical raptor habitats
Support monitoring programs tracking raptor lead exposure levels to demonstrate policy effectiveness