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Photos provided by Tamarack Wildlife Center An eagle taken into the Tamarack Wildlife Center suffered from lead poisoning.

As gun season gets underway, wildlife advocates are urging hunters and anglers to consider reducing their contribution to the use of lead, which negatively impacts wildlife.

Although lead exposure occurs year-round, birds are more likely to experience severe lead exposure between November and February.

According to Carol Holmgren, executive director and licensed wildlife rehabilitator at Tamarack Wildlife Center, “A third of the bald eagles taken into Tamarack tested positive for lead poisoning.”

“It is difficult for a bird to recover from lead poisoning; We have the equipment and medications to treat lead toxicity, but lead gets into their bloodstream, turning it into a neurotoxin and impairing their immune system.” Holmgren said.

Although lead poisoning does not directly cause death, weakened immune systems make birds more susceptible to infections from other pathogens such as bacteria and fungi.

Lead toxicity is not new and has been recognized in humans and pets for over decades. Hunters and anglers can help protect the environment by preventing lead from having harmful effects on non-target species.

Holmgren said: “A practical option is to use lead-free ammunition and fishing tackle.”

The performance of lead-free ammunition is comparable to lead alternatives, and the cost of lead-free options is becoming more affordable.

Additionally, hunters can recover carcasses and piles of intestines from the surrounding area.

Carcasses or gut piles that are too large to remove can be buried or covered with debris to prevent scavengers from accessing them and consuming the lead fragments.

“A few extra steps can help protect eagles and other birds from lead poisoning.” Holmgren said.

Holmgren from the Tamarack Wildlife Center gives a talk, “Hope for Eagles: Preventing Lead Poisoning in PA Eagles” to sports clubs and environmental organizations to spread the message. TWC can be reached at (814) 763-2574.