Defenders is proud to be one of the many groups that helped bring the condor back from extinction, but challenges remain. The threat of lead poisoning from hunter ammunition has largely been addressed in California, but it is still a problem in neighboring states.

The Problem

In Arizona, hunters are still permitted to use lead bullets, which can poison condors that eat the dead animals or the entrails also called “gut piles”) left behind after carcasses are cleaned by hunters in the field.

How We're Helping

Along with other conservation groups, Defenders has asked the courts to push the U.S. Forest Service to ban the use of lead bullets for hunting on Forest Service land, much of which serves as important condor habitat.

Where We Are Today

Defenders’ legal case to ban the use of lead bullets on Forest Service land is still pending before the courts.