 |
Wildlife Poisoning
Many people routinely purchase pesticides to rid their lawns and gardens of unwanted insects and mammals (such as gophers, rats, mice and squirrels). These pesticides are easily obtained at any drug, grocery or home improvement store. While the labels on these products list precautions, people are often too eager to solve their "pest" problem without taking the time to consider the ramifications of their actions, or to research the effects these products can have on both the targeted and non-targeted animals.
Pesticides are poisons. By their definition, they kill "pests". In fact, pesticides are "biocides". This means they kill living things, plain and simple. The same poison you purchase to eliminate your gopher problem could also kill a golden eagle, your dog, or your cat.
Commercial pesticides generally kill in one of two ways. Some are anti-coagulants which, when consumed, cause massive internal bleeding. This results in death by exsanguination (loss of blood). Other pesticides affect the central nervous system, causing total body paralysis. The affected animal will lose all coordinated movement, his vital organs will cease to function, and the animal will die.
Secondary poisoning occurs when a "targeted" animal is consumed by a "non-targeted" animal. If your cat consumes a poisoned mouse, for example, the cat will become a victim of secondary poisoning. The same holds true for any bird or mammal that consumes poisoned insects, squirrels, mice, rats, or gophers. These poisons travel up the food chain and are indiscriminate in their destruction.
Search for alternatives to using pesticides. Losing a beloved pet or watching a golden eagle die from secondary poisoning is a lesson learned the hard way.
Thanks to Heidi Taylor for her research and original draft. |
|
 |
