MYTH: Hunters’ bullets don’t really kill condors.  There is not enough evidence to prove that lead bullets are dangerous.

FACT: Actually, there is overwhelming evidence that lead bullets kill condors. For example, a 2006 scientific study by the Peregrine Fund found that lead poisoning is “the most frequently-diagnosed cause of death among free-ranging California condors.”  Since 1992, at least 14 condors have been killed by lead poisoning.

MYTH: Lead bullets are no more dangerous to condors than copper bullets.                 

FACT: Copper is an essential nutrient that a condor’s system can regulate.  Lead is a poison.  Furthermore, lead bullets fragment into hundreds of microscopic pieces.  Copper bullets stay in one piece, so the condor can avoid eating them.

MYTH: There is no hurry.  Before banning lead bullets, we should wait for more people to do more studies.

FACT: There are fewer than 130 condors in the wild.  Every time a condor is killed by lead poisoning, the entire species suffers.  If we wait to act, it will be too late.

MYTH: Since non-toxic bullets are more expensive than lead bullets, banning lead bullets would make hunting unaffordable.

FACT: Lead-free bullets cost only about $5 more on average for a box of 20.  Since the cost of a typical hunting trip amounts to several hundred dollars, anyone who can afford to hunt now will still be able to afford hunting with lead-free bullets.

MYTH: The condor is not important.  We shouldn’t worry about saving this bird.

FACT: The condor is on the California state quarter because it is a very majestic and impressive bird, and a symbol of our state.   It would be tragically embarrassing to see this bird vanish from our skies forever.

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