Condor was published in Redwood National and State Parks, which probably died of lead poisoning

A young condor, which was released in Redwood National and State Parks in 2023, was found dead, with lead poisoning being the likely cause of death.

According to the Yurok tribe, Condor B7, known as the Pey-Noh-Pey-O-WOK ', became dead in a remote area of ​​the national park. His death marks the first loss of a condor from the Northern California population as part of the North California -Condor restoration Program (NCCRP). At around 18 months he was the youngest condor in the herd and has been in the wild for a little more than three months, the trunk said in release.

During the NCCRP delayed a formal announcement until the official cause of death was determined, the results of a pathology examination found a lead -air pistol pellet in its ventricular or in its Gizzard and high to very high lead concentrations in the liver and bones. The source of the pellet was unknown, it says in the press release.

“The loss of Pey-No-Pey-O-WOK” was a big blow for us. Death is part of the work with wild animals, but being difficult was like our first loss, ”said Program Manager and senior biologist from Yurok Trib, Chris West. “Fortunately, we have 17 other amazing birds in our herd that bear our hopes, dreams and prayers.”

“A natural death would have been less painful for us to watch people when he began to thrive in the wild. Pey-Noh-Pey-O-Wok 'was known for his friendliness, which cleaned up and gotten together with other condors and easily shared the food. He had only been free for a few months. It is devastating that it is caused by some people, ”said Tiana Williams-Claussen, director of Yurok Tribe's wildlife department.

Lead is the biggest threat to condors in the wild and is responsible for almost half of the approved Condor deaths in which the cause of death is determined. Almost all poisoning are connected to Carrion from Lead-Shot game, cattle and vermin.