How does rat poison harm local wildlife?

In the case of rodenticides, anticoagulants thin the blood and prevent it from clotting, causing rodents to die from internal bleeding. These rodenticides have that same lethal effect on other animals. Exposing animals to poisoned bait and prey is how rat poison is injuring and killing owls and other BC wildlife.

Does rat poison harm wildlife?

Rodenticides are designed to kill mammals such as rats and mice. It should therefore come as no surprise that these products commonly poison non-target wildlife species. Numerous studies have documented harm to mammals and birds. Other vertebrate species, such as reptiles and amphibians, are also at risk.

How does rat poison affect the environment?

Rat poison has a similar effect to DDT, although it doesn’t last as long in the environment. The animals that eat the poison directly sicken and die, and the scavenger species that eat their carcasses then sicken and die. It’s a cycle that will continue until all the sources of rat poisons in the environment are gone.

How does poison affect animals?

The use of poison to control pests has a negative effect on wildlife. BUFFALO, N.Y. But the use of such deadly deterrents often results in collateral damage to wildlife. Coyotes, Bobcats, and other mammals — even birds of prey and scavengers — are sickened and die from eating rodents that have ingested poison.

How are rat and mouse poisons bad for the environment?

Rat and mouse poisons, or rodenticides, pose a serious risk to public health and the environment. These are toxic products that cause severe health damage and even death in nontarget wildlife, pets and people.

How is rat poison affecting wildlife in BC?

Exposing animals to poisoned bait and prey is how rat poison is injuring and killing owls and other BC wildlife. The harm comes from direct and secondary poisoning.

How are cats and dogs affected by rat poison?

Stray and feral cats and dogs can access rat poisons in small and hidden areas. Their sense of smell is much stronger than children’s, and they will eat almost anything when hungry. Any kind of ingestion could be fatal unless the pet or animal receives immediate emergency veterinarian care.

How long does it take for rat poison to kill an owl?

Secondary poison occurs when owls and other raptors eat poisoned animals. The risk of secondary poisoning expands to predators like coyotes and foxes that feed on rodents too. The lethal effect of anticoagulant poison takes several days to kill rodents.