Hunters can no longer use lead ammunition in California condor territory. That's because of a new law that goes into effect today. Democratic Assemblyman Pedro Nava wrote the law. He says lead poisoning is the number one cause of death for the endangered bird.
Nava: We have unequivocal, peer reviewed scientific evidence that shows California condors experience highly elevated blood lead levels as a result of eating lead ammunition. It is jeopardizing the survival of this species."
The state Department of Fish and Game says a California condor died last month of lead poisoning. This reduced the wild population in California to 79 birds. The law bans the use of lead ammunition for hunting big game like deer, bear, and wild boar and other animals like coyote in the condor's habitat. Hunters caught using lead ammunition can be fined up to $2,000.
A list of ammunition approved for hunting in the condor habitat can be found at the California Department of Fish and Game web site.
