Understanding Lead Poisoning in Raptors

A Silent Killer

Lead poisoning is the number one cause of death for Golden Eagles in Nevada, yet many people have never heard of this threat. Understanding how lead affects our raptors is the first step toward solving this crisis.

How Lead Enters the Food Chain

Golden Eagles are opportunistic feeders, often scavenging on carcasses and gut piles left behind by hunters. When lead ammunition is used, tiny fragments can remain in the animal, invisible to the naked eye but deadly to eagles.

A single lead pellet or fragment can be fatal to a Golden Eagle. The lead is absorbed into their bloodstream, causing:

• Neurological damage
• Weakness and inability to fly
• Seizures
• Eventual death

The Scope of the Problem

Studies have found that lead exposure is nearly universal among Golden Eagles:

• Over 90% of tested eagles show some level of lead exposure
• Lead poisoning peaks during and after hunting seasons
• Even non-lethal exposure can impair hunting ability and reproduction

Solutions That Work

The good news is that this problem is entirely preventable. Non-lead ammunition is now widely available and just as effective as traditional lead ammunition.

What You Can Do

1. Switch to non-lead ammunition - Copper bullets and other alternatives perform excellently
2. Properly dispose of gut piles - Bury them or remove them from the field
3. Spread the word - Many hunters simply aren't aware of this issue

Looking Forward

Golden Flights is working with hunting communities and wildlife agencies to raise awareness about lead poisoning. Through education and partnership, we can protect Golden Eagles while preserving hunting traditions.

Together, we can solve this problem and give Nevada's Golden Eagles the future they deserve.