What can cause lead poisoning in wildlife?

Lead poisoning in wildlife is primarily caused by the ingestion of spent lead ammunition or fishing tackle. When animals, particularly scavengers such as eagles and vultures, consume carcasses of animals that have been shot with lead bullets, or when they ingest spent lead sinkers left in the environment, they can absorb lead into their systems. This is a significant issue as even small amounts of lead can cause severe neurological and physiological problems in wildlife.

Ingesting lead can disrupt various bodily functions, leading to symptoms such as seizures, weakness, and in many cases, death. The accumulation of lead in the body can result in chronic health problems and can also negatively impact reproductive success, making it a critical concern for wildlife populations.

Other options like ingestion of spoiled food or exposure to pesticides might impact wildlife health, but they are not the primary causes of lead poisoning. Contaminated water sources can pose various health risks and might lead to other kinds of poisoning or sickness, but lead poisoning specifically stems from the consumption of lead-based materials. Thus, option C directly addresses the specific mechanism through which lead poisoning occurs in wildlife.