The effects of lead from ammunition and other objects, such as batteries and fishing sinkers, on birds and other wildlife can be significant and dangerous. Lead is a toxic substance that can have detrimental and deadly health effects for terrestrial birds, waterfowl, mammals, and fish.
Lead-based ammunition is the primary source of lead toxicity in many species, like bald and golden eagles, turkey vultures, and hawks, due to whole bullets or fragments left behind in live prey, gut piles, and carcasses that these wildlife feed on. Wildlife lead toxicity occurrences increase during hunting season as gut piles or unrecovered game contaminated with lead are ingested by eagles, raptors, corvids and many other species, resulting in multiple food chain toxicities. Raptor nests near farms and agricultural areas can also be susceptible to toxic lead accumulation when lead shot is used for pest control, as adults may feed poisoned rodents to their nestlings.
Further research and public awareness are desperately needed to fully address this issue and protect wildlife from the harmful effects of lead contamination.
Here are some of the main ways in which lead can impact wildlife:
Lead Poisoning
When animals ingest lead, either directly by eating lead from bullet fragments or indirectly by consuming prey that has been shot with lead ammunition – animals can suffer from lead poisoning. Lead poisoning can lead to a range of health issues, including neurological damage, digestive problems, impaired reproduction, and death.
Reduced Reproduction
Lead poisoning can also impair the reproductive success of wildlife. Lead exposure can lead to decreased fertility, lower hatching success, and hinder chick survival in birds. This can have population-level impacts, especially for species already facing other endangerment challenges.
Behavioral Changes
Lead poisoning can affect the behavior of affected animals. Lethargy, disorientation, or impaired motor function can occur, which can make animals more vulnerable to predation or accidents.
Environmental Contamination
Lead from spent ammunition, batteries or old paint can also contaminate the environment, including soil and water sources. This contamination can continue for many years, posing ongoing risks to wildlife and impacting ecosystems.
Mortality
Lead poisoning can cause mortality in wildlife populations. Birds are the most susceptible to lead poisoning because they often ingest lead shot or bullet fragments while feeding, mistaking it for seeds or berries. Waterfowl, such as ducks and geese, are especially vulnerable because they frequently feed in areas where lead shot has been deposited, such as wetlands and marshes. Efforts to mitigate the impacts of lead from ammunition on wildlife include the promotion of non-lead alternatives. Additionally, regulations and hunting restrictions aimed at reducing lead exposure for wildlife have been implemented in various regions. By choosing environmentally friendly ammunition, shooters and hunters can contribute to conservation efforts and help preserve natural habitats and ecosystems for future generations.
Alternatives to Lead:
Copper Bullets
Providing similar ballistic performance, copper and/or copper alloys arre a common and safer alternative to lead.
Frangible bullets
Designed to disintegrate on impact, these bullets can minimize environmental damage.
Steel bullets
Some ammunition is made with steel cores instead of lead.
Polymer bullets
Bullets made of polymer materials offer a lightweight and non-toxic alternative to lead.
Composite bullets
These bullets are made from a combination of materials such as copper, tungsten, or polymer to achieve desired ballistic properties while avoiding lead.
Bismuth bullets
Bismuth is a heavy metal that can be used as a substitute for lead in ammunition. It is less toxic and has similar ballistic characteristics.
Tin bullets
Tin bullets are another non-toxic alternative to lead. They are lightweight and can be used in various calibers.
Recent Think Wild Patients Affected by Lead Poisoning
Bald Eagle 24-134
This eagle passed away after a month of care due to a secondary infection related to kidney damage due to lead toxicity. Upon intake, they tested positive for lead toxicity at 53.8 micrograms per deciliter (ug/dL), over five times what is considered clinical in wild raptors (10 ug/dL).
Golden Eagle 21-681
This female golden eagle was released back to the wild after suffering from nearly fatal lead poisoning. They tested positive for lead toxicity at 49.5 micrograms per deciliter (ug/dL), nearly five times what is considered clinical in wild raptors (10 ug/dL).
Turkey Vulture 22-136
This turkey vulture came in extremely emaciated and tested high for lead toxicity. They passed away a week after intake despite chelation therapy and treatment.
Current Lead Ammunition Policy in Oregon
While the subject of lead ammunition and fishing sinkers effect on wildlife is an extremely important topic, the state of Oregon and ODFW have unfortunately not moved forward with any proposals banning or restricting the use of lead ammunition for hunting upland (non-waterfowl) species.
Here are some resources on lead ammunition policies:
- Lead poisoning threatens wildlife every day. For more information: https://www.wcbu.org/local-news/2024-03-27/lead-poisoning-is-threatening-an-american-icon-heres-what-a-wildlife-rescuer-wants-you-to-know
- ODFW information on lead ammunition and a past survey: https://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlife/lead/
- Current hunting laws in the state of Oregon: https://www.eregulations.com/oregon/hunting/game-bird/general-hunting-regulations
- Bird Alliance of Oregon information on lead: https://birdallianceoregon.org/our-work/protect/habitat-and-wildlife/imperiled-species/california-condor/get-the-lead-out/
- Lead free ammunition alternatives: https://www.guntradenews.com/features-news/lead-free-alternatives-for-bullets/
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