Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey recently reported that lead from recreational uses can build up in the environment and threaten a variety of fish and wildlife:

Millions of pounds of lead used in hunting, fishing and shooting sports wind up in the environment each year and can threaten or kill wildlife, according to a new scientific report.

While Audubon California and others have been educating the public about the dangers posed to condors from lead ammunition in the environment, the scientists involved with this study show that lead from other sources, such as fishing sinkers, is posing a significant problem for other wildlife as well.

The picture above is a radiograph of immature bald eagle containing numerous lead shot in its digestive tract (courtesy of Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association).