The state of California is being sued by environmental groups for allowing hunters to use lead ammunition. The Natural Resources Defense Council, Physicians for Social Responsibility, the Center for Biological Diversity and the Ventura, the Wishtoyo Foundation, and even several hunters have sued the state Department of Fish and Game for a policy that violates the federal Endangered Species Act.

The plaintiffs allege that rare California condors, as well as golden and bald eagles, have died from lead poisoning after feeding on carrion that has been killed with lead bullets or buckshot. James M. Birkelund, an attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council, clarified that the lawsuit was against the type of ammunition used, not against hunting in general. “This is not an anti-hunting lawsuit,” he said. “It’s about protecting the condors and working with hunters to find a common-sense solution.” A spokesman for the California Department of Fish and Game, said the agency may propose changes next spring after reviewing certain hunting regulations.

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