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The California condor is one of the world's most endangered species, with less than one hundred condors currently in the wild. Lead poisoning from scavenging carrion left by hunters is one of the primary threats to condors. Since 1997, five condors have died and over 30 others have required emergency blood treatment after ingesting lead. Wildlife biologists, toxicologists, land managers, and fish and game managers agree that without controlling the presence of lead bullets and shot in condor habitat, the condor faces an extremely difficult road to recovery.

Unfortunately, voluntary measures such as encouraging hunters to remove lead ammunition from killed game have not proved adequate to remove the threat of lead poisoning to condors. The presence of lead ammunition in condor habitat can be effectively controlled only by regulating its use through the issuance of hunting permits and the education that accompanies those permits. Fortunately, alternative lead-free ammunition is now available that performs as well as, if not better than, lead ammunition for hunting and are non-toxic. The success of California condor recovery efforts depends on immediately mandating the use of lead-free bullets and shot for all hunting in condor habitat.

The California Fish and Game Commission has the authority to regulate lead contamination in the range of the California condor through issuance and renewal of hunting licenses. To protect this species on the brink, the Commission should require the use of lead-free ammunition for all hunting within California condor habitat.