Lead poisoning in raptors

Lead poisoning is a significant health issue affecting the raptor population[citation needed], amongst other species.

While the general public may not know how they are possibly contributing to the problem, nearly 100% of lead poisoning can be prevented if humans paid close attention to their hunting and angling practices.

[5] One study noted that of 38 deer carcasses examined, over 74% of them contained over 100 lead fragments from one bullet.

Predators and scavengers that then find these animal remains and waste will consume these small lead pieces.

The fragments are then broken down and the lead is absorbed into the bloodstream due to the grinding action of the gizzard, which thus results in a plethora of health concerns'[5] In terms of fishing tackle, peak fishing season has been found to result in the highest number of mortalities caused by lead tackle.

[6] Though not as big of an issue, there are other methods to which wildlife can technically be exposed to lead, such as through lead-based paint or through mining.

[7] When lead gets into the digestive tract of raptors, the acidic nature of their stomach allows for the breakdown and absorption into the blood.

In the bloodstream itself, the red blood cells develop a decreased lifespan, and less heme synthesis occurs due to the enzymes δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase and ferrochelatase becoming impaired.

Their vocalizations may change sound, as it often becomes a high pitched honk, and they might have their beaks partially open with a hissing noise coming out of it.

After approximately two weeks, depending, the bird becomes visibly weak, and will commonly display trouble walking and flying.

[11] As a result of all these varying impacts that lead has physically on the eagles, it is not uncommon for these birds to experience muscle tremors or for their lower legs to become paralyzed.

[12] Due to the varying degrees of these symptoms that a raptor might be experiencing, wildlife rehabbers may have an easier time holding on and treating the birds as they have less strength available to put up a fight.