Wildlife

Wild Golden Eagle Lead Poisoning: A Hidden Threat

Lead poisoning is a significant cause of mortality in golden eagles, primarily from ingesting spent ammunition in prey carcasses.

Key Facts

Eagles commonly scavenge gut piles left by hunters
Lead fragments from rifle bullets spread widely in tissue
Blood lead levels above 60 micrograms per deciliter are acutely toxic
Many eagles survive sublethal poisoning with lasting neurological damage
California condors share this same threat and nearly went extinct

Welfare Considerations

Lead poisoning causes severe suffering in raptors including weakness, inability to fly, loss of coordination, starvation, and death. Even survivors may be permanently impaired. Switching to non-lead ammunition is the most effective prevention available.

What You Can Do

Use non-lead ammunition when hunting in eagle habitat
Support legislation requiring non-toxic ammunition on public lands
Report sick or downed eagles to wildlife authorities
Donate to raptor rehabilitation centers
Advocate for expanded non-lead ammunition programs