Groups sue California over lead ammo

SACRAMENTO, Dec. 1 (UPI) -- Environmental groups are suing California, which allows hunters to use lead ammunition, claiming the ammo poisons rare California condors.

Several hunters, the Natural Resources Defense Council, Physicians for Social Responsibility, the Center for Biological Diversity and the Ventura, Calif.-based Wishtoyo Foundation sued the state Department of Fish and Game, saying the policy violates the federal Endangered Species Act by permitting the condors to be continually harmed, the Los Angeles Times said.

The plaintiffs allege that many California condors die after feeding on deer and other wildlife remains that were killed with lead bullets or buckshot. Golden and bald eagles are also harmed by ingesting lead, the suit says.

"This is not an anti-hunting lawsuit," said James M. Birkelund, an attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council. "It's about protecting the condors and working with hunters to find a common-sense solution" that doesn't include lead ammunition.

Steve Martarano, a spokesman for the California Department of Fish and Game, said the agency is reviewing hunting regulations for proposed changes next spring, including an examination of lead ammunition.