Pinnacles National Monument

A juvenile and an adult condor in the flight pen. Photo by K. Lalumiere.

Lead Poisoning and California Condors

Hoi is the adult mentor bird that teaches the young condors the skills they need to survive in the wild. Photography by Ralph W. Schardt.

Lead poisoning is one of the biggest threats to condors and the recovery program. Since 1997, five condors have died and 26 others have received emergency treatment after ingesting lead.

A primary source of lead is from carcasses left by hunters. The entrails and areas that are trimmed away and left behind are often contaminated with small fragments of lead. Because condors feed on carrion, and even small amounts of lead can sicken or kill a condor, they are especially susceptible to poisoning. Other wildlife can also be affected, including golden eagles, vultures, and waterfowl.

A committee of hunters, conservation groups and wildlife conservation agencies recently came up with a list of recommendations for hunters. These voluntary measures include:

Using lead-free ammunition
Removing or burying carcasses and gutpiles
Removing bullets and surrounding affected areas

Following these guidelines will help to reduce lead exposure and improve the success of the condor recovery program.

Initial web page found at: Pinnacles National Monument - Condors