Wildlife officials laid traps for California condors to test
for lead poisoning after many were spotted feeding on
squirrels that had been shot.
Even microscopic lead traces from ammunition can
paralyze digestive systems in the endangered species
and cause the birds to starve to death, park officials
said.
The traps were laid over the weekend after 11 of the
park's 13 condors were seen feeding on the squirrel
carcasses, said Denise Louie, the park's chief of
natural resources.
Highly contaminated condors will be taken to the Los
Angeles Zoo for surgery or treatment.
"We don't know who shot the rodents or why," Louie
said. "If rodents have to be shot, maybe their
carcasses can be buried to protect not only condors
but other carrion eaters and raptors."
The species was listed as endangered in 1967 but the
population has grown to about 300 birds after
intensive breeding efforts. Pinnacles is a longtime
California condor breeding area.
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