Lead Toxicity in the Wild Ones

My first experience with lead toxicity as a veterinarian was in a sweet basset hound that developed acute lead poisoning from licking lead paint dust from his paws. Currently, in the wildlife hospital at Think Wild in Bend, we see a different manifestation of the same toxicity, from an avoidable source.

In mid 2025, a subadult female bald eagle was presented to Think Wild. She was severely weak and depressed, was unable to stand, and had neurologic signs, all suggesting lead toxicity. Indeed, that was her diagnosis. She was treated with medications that work to chelate, “remove,” the lead from the body. For weeks, she required ICU care. After two months of this care, she regained enough strength for flight and release. She was lucky to have survived. Many birds with lead toxicity die despite aggressive care.

The problem of lead toxicity in wildlife extends far beyond this one bald eagle. The following statistics are from a study of 1,210 Eagles across 38 states over the course of eight years. It revealed that 47% of bald eagles and 46% of golden eagles examined had signs of chronic lead poisoning defined as lead deposition in bone. Chronic, sublethal exposures may result in diminished reproductive success, neurological issues and poor body condition. As many as 33-35% of eagles tested had acute lead poisoning defined as high levels of lead in blood and soft tissues. Leaching of lead from bones may cause the chronically affected to become clinically symptomatic because of a significant increase in blood lead levels. This may occur in response to metabolic shifts pulling calcium and hence lead deposits from bone.

This Bald Eagle with lead toxicity has typical drooping and a weak stance at Think Wild. Credit: Sue Dougherty, Offleash Photography

“How in the world are eagles becoming poisoned by lead?” The removal of lead in our human consumer environment has been well addressed (eg. unleaded gas, lead-free paints and glazes). That being said, old homes (pre 1970) may still have lead paint. Hunting and fishing equipment are currently two major sources of lead in the wild environment now. Lead gun shot and bullets as well as lead fishing sinkers are major sources. Direct consumption of tiny lead fragments by waterfowl sifting through mud, or mammalian and avian scavengers ingesting the lead tainted waste (offal) from a hunter’s kill are common sources of lead.

Lead bullets and shot are notorious for fragmentating. A lead fragment the size of a grain of rice may be lethal to an adult bald eagle. Tiny lead pieces are found not only at the site of impact but often throughout the game animal, exposing scavengers. This fragmentation may also be a source of exposure for humans that consume game meat. In adult humans, the actual health risk of infrequent consumption of game meat may be small, but there is no safe blood level of lead. If lead tainted game meat is frequently consumed and pregnant women or young children are exposed, it can result in serious clinical toxicity.

Environmental and health impacts of lead shot, including widespread cases of lead poisoning in wildlife prompted increased scrutiny. This led to a 2019 U.S. ban on the use of lead shot for waterfowl hunting. California has banned lead bullets for all hunting and encourages the use of copper bullets and nontoxic gunshot. The average hunter spends $65. a year on bullets. Copper bullets cost about 35% more than lead. That small increase in cost however, will yield huge benefits in protecting the environment, our birds or prey and even humans eating game meat on a regular basis.

HUNTERS, we have a problem.

Bull Elk is a game species that is commonly hunted. This photo was taken in Sunriver. Credit: Sue Dougherty, Offleash Photography

Everyone wants the freedom to make decisions in the best way for themselves and their families. But when there is a choice that hunters can make that can make a significant, long lasting difference in the health of our environment, why not? This is to choose NON-lead ammunition. Many hunters are aware of this issue and have made the smart choice to switch from lead to non-lead (copper, steel) ammunition. I personally thank you for the conscious choice!

We ALL need to strive to do things because they are “ the right thing to do,” not only for ourselves but also for those that we share this planet with. It just does not make sense to choose an option that is harmful, simply because….. you can. Please consider this and pass this information on to anyone that might be enlightened. References available on request.