"A new biological analysis from the EPA finds that rodenticides are jeopardizing nearly 80 endangered species. Some animals have suffered horrific deaths."
"In humanity’s war against rats, other animals are often collateral.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released its final biological evaluation on rodenticides on Nov. 22 and found that the rat poisons are jeopardizing at least 78 endangered species such as black-footed ferrets and California condors.
The analysis adds to a growing body of research finding that the toxic ingredients in rodenticides frequently work their way up and down the ecological food chain—from iconic bald eagles and massive black bears to insects. If ingested at high doses, rat poison can cause internal bleeding, lesions, lethargy, weakened immune systems and, often, death.
Wildlife and health advocates are encouraged by the recent EPA evaluation, which could eventually inform federal decisions to limit certain rodenticides. But pushback from the pesticide industry and deregulatory fervor from the incoming Trump administration could stall this process. Delays could pose widespread risks for wildlife populations as rat poison use increases and climate change throws predator-prey interactions out of whack, experts say."
Kiley Price reports for Inside Climate News December 6, 2024.
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