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The California condor is one of the world's most endangered species, with just over 125 condors currently in the wild. Lead poisoning from ingesting lead ammunition in carcasses is a severe threat to California condors and also kills bald and golden eagles. Lead poisoning has caused nine confirmed condor deaths since 1997 and is implicated in the death or disappearance of at least 15 other condors in southern California alone. Scores more condors have required life-saving emergency blood treatment involving intrusive chemical therapy after ingesting lead.

Lead bullets are prevalent throughout condor territory, and there is overwhelming evidence that lead exposure comes from ammunition fragments in carcasses the condors feed upon. Condors and other scavenging birds such as eagles are extremely vulnerable to lead and will continue to die of lead poisoning until and unless state and federal agencies take action. Condor experts, toxicologists, and fish and game managers agree that without controlling the presence of lead bullets in condor habitat, the condor faces an extremely difficult road to recovery.

In December 2004, a coalition of conservation groups, Native Americans and hunters petitioned the California Fish and Game Commission to change hunting regulations to protect condors from lead poisoning, but the Commission refused to act. Non-toxic lead-free bullets are already available that perform as well as or better than lead bullets for hunting big game. At least a dozen non-lead shot types are approved by the Fish and Wildlife Service for waterfowl hunting and could be used for hunting upland birds and other game.

Please send a letter to California and federal regulators, urging them to immediately end the use of lead ammunition in condor habitat in California and to phase out toxic lead ammunition statewide, which will protect bald and golden eagles as well. Use the sample text below or write your own letter.