Park Service reports pesticides poisoning wildlife

SECONDARY VICTIM-Vallerie Coleman of Monte Nido in Malibu Canyon found this sickly bobcat huddled in her yard. It was later determined that the wild cat was sick from eating rodents poisoned by rodenticide. Pesticides will kill pests, but they can also hurt and kill wildlife.

Last year, the National Park Service found two mountain lions ill from rodent poison in the Simi Hills, according to Bonnie Clarfield, National Park Service ranger. More recently, Vallerie Coleman of the Monte Nido community in nearby Malibu Canyon found a bobcat in her yard. The cat was also a victim of rodent poison.

The organization WildRescue captured the cat and took it to a Ventura County animal care center. The wildlife group said the bobcat was emaciated from parasites and had a severe case of mange, an infectious skin disease.

"Treatment and a veterinarian's examination suggested that this young bobcat was suffering from a suppressed immune system due to the ingestion of rodents poisoned by rodenticide," Coleman said.

While the bobcat eventually recovered and was released back into the wild last week, Coleman researched the dangers of pesticides to wildlife--and people--and is determined to inform people about the dangers.

"Many people resort to rodenticides (baits, tracking powders and fumigants) to control rats, mice and gophers," Coleman said.

"However, humans-especially children-pets and other wildlife, including birds, are frequently (unintended) victims. Although tamper-proof bait stations are recommended, they do not solve the problem since small amounts of bait can be removed and secondary poisoning of nontarget predators is a significant danger."

According to the Children's Health Environmental Coalition, exposure to rodenticides has been shown to cause birth defects as well as nerve, heart, liver and muscle damage.

When bait is placed for rodents, it's typically ingested over several days, the coalition says. The rodent eventually dies a painful death.

And while the bait may be placed in protected areas-such as under the house-rodents often don't die in those areas, sources said, but go on about their normal business. Native predators, such as hawks, owls, snakes, coyotes and bobcats, feed on these poisoned rodents, frequently eating them. Dogs can also suffer and die from such secondary poisoning.

"When predators ingest toxic prey, they and their offspring are affected," Coleman said. According to experts, the result is a dangerous, biologically imbalanced environment.

Reports show that rodents are becoming resistant to some of the common anticoagulant rodenticides, so people are using higher levels of poison to kill the pests. This trend is likely to become even more dangerous to wildlife, pets and people. Experts suggest some safe alternatives to pesticides.

The best offense is prevention, sources say. Rats can enter structures through holes the size of a quarter. Mice can enter structures through holes the size of a dime. It's essential to seal holes and entry areas around the house, under the house, in the garage and in hay sheds. It's also important to clean up any areas that rodents can use for food or bedding: they like warm cozy places and are attracted to fallen birdseed, fruit and other food sources.

Experts also recommend the use of physical controls such as Have-A-Heart box traps and snap traps. Have-a-Heart traps are a good option, experts say, because rodents can be released back into the wild, far from populated areas.

Snap traps that are set correctly are very effective and more humane than poisons, experts say. Glue-board traps don't kill mice and rats immediately and may catch non-target species; therefore, snap traps, which are available at local hardware stores, are the best alternative.

To get rid of gophers, experts suggest that you use the "black hole," which is a nontoxic method of control. The "black hole" is also available at hardware stores.

For more information on prevention and physical control of rodents, vist the website at www.beyondpesticides.org.

"With a little thoughtfulness and preventive action, we can protect our children, our pets and all the wonderful wildlife that surrounds us," Coleman said. "Unless we take active steps to protect and preserve our native habitat, our grandchildren and the generations to follow might never have the joy of seeing a bobcat, coyote or beautiful soaring hawk."