Lead poisoning remains a big problem for our nation’s wildlife. In fact, humane organizations report that lead toxicity causes up to 20 million wild animal deaths each year.

Common sources of lead are fishing sinkers, lead shot and even particles of lead bullets. And while any animal can be poisoned by ingesting lead — either directly or in the tissues of their prey — hardest hit are game birds, water birds and birds of prey, such as  eagles and hawks.

Lead poisoning became such a serious problem for California condors that the state passed a law phasing out all lead ammunition by the year 2019. Problem is, lead persists in the environment and remains a danger for years to come.

So for you hunters out there, consider using alternatives to lead ammunition. The environment and its animals, which we all treasure, will be better for it.