3 Condors Die Of Lead Poisoning In AZ

[Kadie]

3 Condors Die Of Lead Poisoning In AZ
Birds Ingested Lead Pellets, Tests Show

POSTED: 3:30 pm PST February 22, 2010
UPDATED: 3:48 pm PST February 22, 2010

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. -- Tests show three California condors found dead in northern Arizona last month died because they ingested lead pellets while feeding on carrion.

Condor recovery program officials said Monday that the deaths are the first from lead poisoning in three years among condors in Arizona and Utah. The Peregrine Fund recovered the bodies of a female condor, her year-old chick and a young male.

Condors feed on dead animals, often big game killed by hunters or the entrails left behind when they are field dressed.

Arizona has a voluntary lead-free hunting program in condor areas and Utah is starting one. California has banned lead ammo in condor areas.

more...
http://www.kcra.com/news/22637873/detail.html

[BrklynLiberal]

1. DAMN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Kadie]

2. According the the article,

there are only about 350 condors left. Very sad.

[Duer 157099]

3. WTF is a "voluntary lead-free hunting program"????

Jeezus, the supidity is mind numbing!

[Cleita]

4. This is why they almost became extinct in California and biologists over

the decades started breeding them back from only a few pairs left in the wild. I think Arizona is going to have to make some tough environmental laws.

[Kyril Enko]

5. Clearly Obama's fault!

:sarcasm: