Hunters are wreaking havoc on the national bird, the Bald Eagle. The eagle population is dying because of consuming lead found in the ammunition left in animal entrails after that animal has been shot. According to the Daily Press:
Lead bullet fragments left in discarded entrails of deer and other animals are poisoning bald eagles and other scavenger birds, scientists and wildlife officials say.
The Wildlife Center of Virginia, a nonprofit that cares for sick and injured animals, has received four birds in the last two weeks suffering from lead poisoning.
The birds — two bald eagles, a red-tailed hawk and a black vulture — are not endangered but they are protected in North America under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. One of the eagles was found near Stumpy Lake in Virginia Beach.
“That bird is still alive. He’s not doing well, but that’s better than being dead,” said Ed Clark, president of the Waynesboro-based center.
What can be done about this phenomena? Is legislation needed that limits the amount of lead in bullets used in hunting? How is this happening?
Mailtribune.com explains:
Raptors get lead poisoning from eating prey that has been killed or wounded by lead shot. The eagle eats the pellet along with the other meat, and while it sits in the eagle’s stomach, lead slowly poisons its body.
The lead usually doesn’t stay there. Like other raptors, eagles regurgitate pellets containing any indigestible material.
Lead poisoning can kill or affect the raptors’ ability to even open and close its talons. Lead in shot is also harmful to humans. It is not unusual for domestic animals to get shot occasionally. Almost everyone has bitten into shot in a hamburger. If that fragment contains lead, then the animal could easily have lead in its bloodstream. A human or pet who eats the meat will be ingesting lead.
Do we need legislation to mandate that hunting ammo be lead free? That really isn’t gun control. How much more expensive is that kind of ammo?
Bitten into shot?
I don’t know anyone that’s bitten into shot. That’s a new one.
Interesting article. There are lead limits elsewhere but I don’t know the details.
this is very disturbing to me. I have been blessed to see three bald eagles in a 3 mile radius where I live, each time was a thrilling as the first.
I have done it several times, although not recently. @Cargo
So have many people I have known. Cattle get shot at I guess. Hogs do too. I guess they move and hunters shoot. It has probably been 30 years since I have bitten into shot.
This brings up another issue…how many people in past wars have died from lead poisoning rather than the actual injury from being shot?
Also, Mr. Howler told me this morning that ammo with lead in it is illegal. I am not believing him. Is he correct?
No, it’s not illegal. You don’t have to use lead, you can buy copper shot that’s not only more effective but also isn’t toxic.
Better solution – only shoot what you’re going to eat and take it with you.
I never bit into shot, but I have bitten into asphalt before
Maybe you all are too young to have bitten in to shot. Once I got shot in a burger at Burger King. Another time it was at home in hamburger.
He said it was illegal TO use lead. I dont think he is correct. @ Cato
When the EPA looked into this a few years back I thought it was revealed that the number of eagles has gone up drastically and that bans on ammo weren’t needed.
Don’t recreational fisherman still use lead weights? OMG! Lead in our water!!!!!!! SOMEONE CALL THE GOVERNMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
🙂
Wait a minute…someone took a black vulture to be healed? I can see taking a bald eagle to be fixed up….but a vulture? Hello from Scott Air Force Base. I’d rather be home with my boys.