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Read what happens to a rat when it eats poison - and imagine it happening to your pet or your child: PDF file or HTML March 16, 2007: Today in San Francisco a magnificant red-shouldered hawk was given back its freedom. The hawk was found by a gardener at the Strybing Arboretum suffering grave injury. Jamie Ray of SF ROMP took the hawk to WildCare where it was diagnosed with second generation anti-coagulant rodenticide poisoning -the very poison the EPA proposes to restrict. After weeks of treatment with Vitimin K, the hawk was released. The Hungry Owl Project is proud to have helped save this hawk by donating the funds for the testing and treatment with Vitimin K to restore the hawk's blood to a healthy state. Because of Jamie Ray's efforts (SF ROMP), the City has placed a temporary moratorium on the use of single-feed rodenticides. Read the moratorium here. WildCare's Director of Medical Care, Melanie Piazza, and HOP volunteer Maggie Rufo attended a public meeting in San Francisco to advocate for a permanent ban. This is the first step towards making a new City policy on the use of poisons. Media reports: San Francisco Chronicle - March 16, 2007: Groups Debate Poison Use After Hawks Die Sickened Hawk Flies Again (with video) KRON - 4 TV: The City Reacts to Charges Wildlife is Being Poisoned in Golden Gate Park and Confirms the Use of Bait Boxes - links to video can expire at any time ABC 7 Group: Rat Poison Kills Hawks In Golden Gate Park Photos by Noreen Weeden & Eddie Bartley - Read their journal about this issue.
The media wait
From left, Jamie Ray, San Francisco ROMP & Melanie Piazza, WildCare, with hawk.
Will San Francisco Parks & Recreation allow this poisoning of raptors, aka nature's non-toxic pest control, to continue? UPDATE: The San Francisco Department of the Environment passed a resolution on May 22, 2007 placing additional restrictions on the use of rodenticides in outdoor areas. (pdf file) |
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 This juvenile Spotted Owl was found near a hiking trail. Examination & tests indicated probable rodenticide poisoning: the owl's blood would not coagulate. This endangered bird had to be kept in captivity for months to receive Vitamin K treatments to restore it's health and blood clotting ability. A slow release program was necessary in order to give this beautiful owl the best possible chance of survival since it had missed out on critical life lessons from its parents while in captivity. |
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