What impact does lead poisoning have on wildlife?

Lead poisoning can have devastating effects on wildlife, especially birds and other species that might ingest lead shot or bullets mistakenly while foraging for food or cleaning their feathers. When lead enters their bodies, it can impair their neurological and physical functions, leading to weakness, disorientation, and ultimately death if not treated. This toxicity can disrupt normal behaviors, reduce reproductive success, and result in population declines. Lead poisoning is particularly problematic because it often goes unnoticed until the harm has already occurred, impacting not only individual animals but also entire ecosystems by affecting predator-prey dynamics and species diversity. Thus, the statement that lead poisoning can be fatal to wildlife accurately reflects the serious consequences of lead ingestion.