Condors and Lead

This NYT article tells of the (recurrent) problems with California condors acqiuring lead poisoning from carcasses.

"Wildlife officials laid traps for California condors to test for lead poisoning after many were spotted feeding on squirrels that had been shot."

"Even microscopic lead traces from ammunition can paralyze digestive systems in the endangered species and cause the birds to starve to death, park officials said."

I am sure this is a real problem, and I am also sure that some groups will immediately call for a ban on all hunting in southern California and Arizona-- and also that certain recalcitrant "hunters" will say, in effect, "Who needs the condor?"

At least one biologist on the case, Denise Louie, is more sensible: "We don't know who shot the rodents or why," Louie said. "If rodents have to be shot, maybe their carcasses can be buried to protect not only condors but other carrion eaters and raptors."

I can resolve the problem right here, for free. First, if you are hunting birds in Condor country, use non- toxic shot.

If there is really a problem with big- game bullets-- it is not clear to me-- there are now even non- toxic alternatives there. It might also be nice if Americans were allowed dogs to track wounded deer too, as in Eastern Europe and France, but I am not holding my breath about either hidebound Game departments or AR- ists getting behind that program!

If you MUST shoot varmints, a category that does not exist in my worldview (I hunt some "varmint" SPECIES, but consider them as valuable as all others); and won't eat them or feed them to other animals or otherwise use them respectfully, at least have enough courtesy to the other inhabitants of the wild to dispose of them harmlessly by burying them. If you don't want to put out a little effort perhaps you should stay home and watch TV.