Every year, Colorado’s landscapes are home to incredible wildlife—from majestic eagles to critically endangered California condors. But many of these animals are dying slow, painful deaths from a source that’s entirely preventable: lead-based hunting ammunition.

When lead bullets shatter inside an animal, they leave behind fragments that scavengers like condors, eagles, and even mammals ingest. Just a tiny amount can poison them. Elaine T. Leslie, a former chief of biological resources for the National Park Service, has held these dying birds in her arms—watching them tremble, unable to lift their heads or wings, until they finally succumb to lead poisoning.

This isn’t just a wildlife issue. Lead fragments have also been found in meat consumed by people who hunt and feed their families. Multiple studies have raised concerns about the human health risks tied to eating game harvested with lead bullets.

That’s why advocacy groups representing current and former federal employees—including the Coalition to Protect America's National Parks and Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility—are calling on Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) to phase out lead ammunition and tackle on state lands.

The science is clear, and the technology is already here. Non-lead alternatives like copper bullets are effective, increasingly affordable, and widely available. Yet despite decades of voluntary efforts and education campaigns, lead ammo is still in use across Colorado, putting lives at risk.

California has already enacted a full statewide ban on lead ammunition. Colorado should lead the way in the Mountain West.

We urge CPW and state leaders to commit to a phased, enforceable ban on lead-based hunting ammunition and fishing tackle on all Colorado state lands as part of the upcoming 10-year State Wildlife Action Plan. Education and incentives are helpful—but they’re not enough on their own. It’s time to stop waiting and start protecting.

Let’s act now to protect the wild creatures who have no voice—and the health of the people who call Colorado home.

Sign if you believe Colorado must lead the way on phasing out toxic lead ammo.