Following reports of dead pets and the possible exposure of a teenager to cyanide, the USDA said it is expanding its review of the use of spring-loaded traps to poison livestock predators in the West. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service said it would make a comprehensive review, to be completed this fall, of the use and placement of the M-44 ejector. The spring-activated device uses bait to attract predators and then delivers a dose of cyanide to the targeted animal.
In the meantime, APHIS said its Wildlife Services personnel will follow interim rules requiring that the devices not be placed closer to residences than one-half mile and that “more durable and visible signage” will be placed within 15 feet of the ejectors. “One elevated sign will be required for each device placed,” said an APHIS announcement. “WS [Wildlife Services] understands the public’s concerns regarding the use of M-44s,” said the agency, which says it follows EPA guidelines that minimize the risk to “non-target species.” The M-44 is used against coyotes, foxes, and wild dogs.
“While the device apparently is effective against livestock predators such as coyotes and feral dogs, its use raises concerns among environmental groups, wildlife enthusiasts, and pet owners,” said Drovers CattleNetwork. “In an Idaho case, a pet dog died after encountering an M-44 device, and the 14-year-old boy walking the dog suffered symptoms suggesting exposure to cyanide.”
The Sacramento Bee said that more than 3,400 animals were mistakenly killed by M-44s from 2006 to 2012, reported CattleNetwork. The USDA says predators “cause substantial damage to livestock and poultry producers, particularly those with sheep and goats.” It estimated livestock losses at $20.4 million in 2015. “M-44s are an important tool in reducing loss of livestock,” it said.
To read the Wildlife Services directive, click here.