The Path of Poison

Working in the field of wildlife, I receive many different phone calls. My heart drops every time I get a call stating, “There is a bird standing with its head drooped next to my house and it has not moved for hours.” We need to respond immediately in these situations. In most cases, it only means one thing - intoxication from a chemical or toxin. Rodenticide is commonly used around houses, condos, hotels, and restaurants. When the rat eats the poison, it does not die inside of the box. It leaves and walks around until it staggers to its death. As it slows down, it becomes easy prey for animals such as owls, hawks, eagles, and a variety of mammals. Many citizens are unaware of the impacts this poison has on wildlife and potentially their own dogs and cats. This is a huge reason why you should follow the leash law in our county and never let your pets roam unattended as they may come across bait or poisoned rats.

As a biologist for Audubon Western Everglades, I have been determined to get fresh samples tested so I could prove to the public the damage being done. In the past two months, I have obtained two burrowing owls, one barn owl, and one cooper’s hawk that were all fresh enough to be sent to a lab. Working with the von Arx Hospital and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, we were able to get these shipped for testing. Currently, two results came - one of a burrowing owl and one of a barn owl. It was detected in both of their livers that there were high levels of anticoagulant rodenticides. Watching the suffering of a rat or mouse is upsetting, but it is even further upsetting to watch the intense suffering of every other animal in the food chain. These animals are bleeding internally, having seizures, and having neurologic symptoms. They become completely unaware of their surroundings. 

I am begging the public to stop using rat poison and glue traps. There are alternatives such as good nature C02 traps and tied up snap traps put in safe locations. Contrapest is also an option for managing the population over time. As wildlife loses habitat on Marco Island, it will be feeding closer to homes causing greater risks to its food sources being poisoned. If you spot any wildlife portraying odd behavior, please call the von Arx Wildlife Hospital or email us at owlwatchmarco@gmail.com (monitored 24/7). Either option will get you immediate help to rescue the animal. I am also interested in any additional fresh samples for testing that you may come across. Feel free to contact us at our email for advice and assistance with switching to a safer alternative. 

We have an extremely positive update to our Crescent Beach Condo starter burrow and rodenticide removal. The burrowing owl nearby occupied the burrow in about two weeks after digging it. It has made the area its official home and we are hoping it finds a mate soon!