Lead Poisoning in Eagles

Nearly half of all golden eagles and bald eagles in the U.S. have elevated lead levels in their bodies. This lead poisoning comes from the bullets used by hunters — not because the bullets harm the eagles directly, but the birds do scavenge on “gut piles” laden with lead fragments left behind after successful hunts. Lead poisoning can cause kidney failure, paralysis, blindness, or death.

To solve the problem at its source, advocates are pushing for hunters to use non-lead substitute bullets, like those made from copper.