Lead poisoning threatens raptors and other wildlife
Hunters are being urged to switch to safer ammunition in an effort to safe wildlife from lead poisoning.
By Jennifer Jellen, Local CorrespondentWed, Nov 23 2011 at 3:14 PM EST
DANGEROUS FEAST: More than 60 species of birds, including some endangered species, are at risk of lead poisoning from ammunition and fishing tackle. (Photo: Pen Waggener/Flickr)
We have long known the tragic effects of lead on humans: lethargy, mental impairment, growth defects and, at very high levels, death. In response, we've removed lead from many of the products that surround us, making our homes and communities safer. But did you know that wildlife also suffers from lead poisoning?
Each year, as many as 14 million Americans hunt deer, elk, fowl and other animals. Despite efforts to encourage alternatives, many of these hunters still use traditional lead ammunition. Shot and bullet fragments left behind in offal from dressed carcasses or dispersed over wetland areas can be ingested by scavengers, including diving birds, hawks and even bald eagles.
In this video, from the University of Minnesota Raptor Center, Dr. Luis Cruz-Martinez explains the devastating effects of lead on eagles.
Even small amounts of lead can cause serious problems for wild birds; a single piece of shot or a single bullet fragment has been known to kill fully grown eagles and condors. And birds that do survive poisoning may experience problems with their immune function, leading to a slow death by disease or starvation.
For more information on non-lead ammunition, ask your local retailer or consult this list of manufacturers and retailers provided by the Arizona Department of Fish and Game. Hunt safely and help keep America clean for all wildlife.
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Comments
Lita Wester
12/21/2011 01:29 AM
The number of found eagles with lead poisoning to numbers not found is 1 to 9! Sixty percent of eagles with injuries or found sick are attributed to lead poisoning. These are the facts not made up science.
Cynthia E Hansen
12/21/2011 01:12 AM
Thank you for helping to educate the public on the dangers of lead ammunition to bald eagles and other wildlife. We are losing greater numbers of bald eagles than reported. We must stop this trend before its too late. Lead ammunition must go the way of lead paint and leaded gasoline. We have good alternatives in copper and steel ammunition. For more information, visit our website: .... More
