#BureauofLandManagement #CoyoteControl #SodiumCyanideTraps #EndangeredSpecies #PetSafety
🌿Today I Learned TIL the Bureau of Land Management uses trigger activated sodium cyanide traps to kill coyotes on public lands which inadvertently kill thousands of pets and endangered species every year. 😱
The use of sodium cyanide traps by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has sparked controversy and concern among environmentalists, wildlife advocates, and pet owners. While the agency claims that the traps are an effective method for controlling coyote populations on public lands, the unintended consequences of these lethal devices have raised serious ethical and ecological questions.
In this article, we will delve into the issue of sodium cyanide traps, their impact on non-target animals, and the ongoing debate surrounding their use on public lands. We will also explore potential alternatives to lethal predator control methods and offer insights into how individuals can advocate for more humane and sustainable wildlife management practices.
The Use of Sodium Cyanide Traps by the Bureau of Land Management
The BLM’s use of sodium cyanide traps, also known as M-44 devices, has been a subject of heated debate for years. These spring-loaded traps are baited with scented lures to attract coyotes, and when triggered, they release a burst of sodium cyanide powder into the animal’s mouth, causing rapid and lethal poisoning.
While the BLM asserts that the use of these traps is necessary to protect livestock and safeguard ecosystems, numerous incidents of unintended harm to non-target species have been documented. Domestic pets, endangered wildlife, and even unsuspecting humans have fallen victim to these indiscriminate killing devices, prompting widespread outcry and demands for stricter regulations.
Impact on Non-Target Animals and Endangered Species
The devastating consequences of sodium cyanide traps extend far beyond their intended target of coyotes. Reports have documented the tragic deaths of beloved pets, such as dogs and cats, who inadvertently triggered these traps while on walks with their owners. Additionally, endangered species, including gray wolves, golden eagles, and swift foxes, have been unintentionally killed by M-44 devices, threatening the conservation efforts for these vulnerable populations.
Furthermore, the ecological balance of ecosystems is compromised when non-target predators are eliminated, leading to potential overpopulation of prey species and disruption of natural food webs. The use of lethal traps may inadvertently exacerbate wildlife management challenges and jeopardize the biodiversity of public lands.
Debate Surrounding Lethal Predator Control Methods
The controversy surrounding the BLM’s reliance on sodium cyanide traps has ignited a contentious debate between wildlife advocates and proponents of lethal predator control. Advocates for non-lethal alternatives argue that innovative, science-based methodologies, such as targeted fencing, livestock guardian animals, and predator deterrents, can effectively mitigate human-wildlife conflicts without resorting to fatal measures.
On the other hand, proponents of lethal predator control emphasize the economic and environmental benefits of reducing coyote predation on livestock and mitigating potential threats to human safety. However, the ethical and ecological implications of indiscriminate lethal methods continue to challenge the legitimacy of these arguments, spurring calls for greater accountability and transparency in wildlife management practices.
Advocating for Humane and Sustainable Wildlife Management
As concerned citizens and advocates for animal welfare, there are actionable steps that individuals can take to influence change and curb the use of sodium cyanide traps on public lands. From supporting legislative initiatives that promote non-lethal predator control to engaging in informed discussions with policymakers and community leaders, every effort contributes to shaping compassionate and sustainable wildlife management practices.
Furthermore, raising awareness about the unintended consequences of sodium cyanide traps and highlighting success stories of non-lethal coexistence between humans and wildlife are vital in fostering a culture of empathy and respect for all living beings. By amplifying the voices of those impacted by lethal predator control and championing evidence-based solutions, we can drive meaningful progress towards safeguarding the welfare of animals and preserving the natural balance of ecosystems.
In conclusion, the ethical and ecological implications of the Bureau of Land Management’s use of sodium cyanide traps for coyote control demand thoughtful consideration and proactive advocacy for more humane and sustainable wildlife management practices. By shedding light on the unintended harm inflicted on non-target animals and endangered species, we can catalyze positive change and work towards a future where coexistence between humans and wildlife is characterized by empathy, respect, and harmony. Together, we can make a difference and ensure the well-being of all creatures that share our public lands.
Incorporating non-lethal predator control methods, fostering coexistence between humans and wildlife, and advocating for responsible wildlife management are essential components of building a more compassionate and sustainable future for our planet. Let’s work together to protect the diverse wildlife and ecosystems that enrich our public lands and uphold the values of empathy and stewardship for current and future generations. #WildlifeConservation #SustainableManagement #CoexistenceInitiatives
“Don’t you YAR me!”
I don’t understand why this is legal or even considered a good idea. It is the equivalent of setting a dollar bill on the ground that is tied to a landmine.
I understand the mission is to cull the coyote population but there are absolutely no guardrails in place. “There shouldn’t be any people walking around this far from civilization” is not an adequate safeguard.
Let’s kill all the animals on earth so we can see just how important we are
This is an article from 2019. Is there an update?
This was recently banned
This is an article from 2019. Is there an update?
I can’t even booby trap my own home against intruders but these bastards can just leave poison ejectors out in the wild to kill anything that happens along. That’s fucked.
https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2023251118
“Wolves make roadways safer, generating large economic returns to predator conservation”
“Recent studies uncover cascading ecological effects resulting from removing and reintroducing predators into a landscape, but little is known about effects on human lives and property. We quantify the effects of restoring wolf populations by evaluating their influence on deer–vehicle collisions (DVCs) in Wisconsin. We show that, for the average county, wolf entry reduced DVCs by 24%, yielding an economic benefit that is 63 times greater than the costs of verified wolf predation on livestock. Most of the reduction is due to a behavioral response of deer to wolves rather than through a deer population decline from wolf predation. This finding supports ecological research emphasizing the role of predators in creating a “landscape of fear.” It suggests wolves control economic damages from overabundant deer in ways that human deer hunters cannot.”
Very poorly timed TIL. I read that this practice has been banned just yesterday.
Probably more efficient than having the ATF do it like usual.
Just put some Texans with ARs in a helicopter and let ‘em blast away like they’re hunting hogs.
They absolutely don’t kill thousands of pets each year.
Coyotes are one of the most resilient animals in the US (maybe world). The US gov has tried for hundreds of years to extinct the entire population only to fail miserably.
I see the war on coyotes is going about as well as the war on drugs
Did they remember to order the large arrow-shaped “Coyote Food” signs from ACME before they banned this practice?
There’s a great book called Coyote America by Dan Flores, which details how the US government has tried to eradicate coyotes several times without success.
Apparently coyotes have some sort of behavioural effect where they over compensate reproductively when population numbers are low (which they gather based on responses from their calls). It’s really very fascinating.
But point is, trying to cull coyotes has only made the problem worse. It’s also been excessively cruel so it’s nice to hear that it’s recently stopped.
Name a more iconic duo than murdered dogs and federal agencies
Huh. I recently learned about these by reading This Thing Between Us by Gus Moreno.
what is the point of this? Wouldn’t this kill more other animals?
I doubt this story is true. I’ve been involved with the use of this device and as far as I know, it is never left unattended. Anytime it is set, someone has to have eyes on it until it is unset. It would not only kill stray pets and livestock, it would kill any person that inadvertently tripped it.
the BLM is not known for being environmentally friendly
BLM must be stopped!! /s
Wait till you find out about the track record of the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Nature has a way. Kill one coyote and 2 are born. They howl for roll call. It’s a scientifically proven fact that females in a location that lose numbers of population begin having more pups. That’s why there isn’t 1 city in North America that doesn’t have them. Fun fact they were known as prairie wolves/prairie dogs until Mark Twain called them coyotes in Roughing It. The name caught on and became lexicon
Even countries at war with another country are skeptical about putting mines on their own land because of how dangerous and difficult to remove they can be after the war.
Then here’s the US Land Management just scattering poison dart landmines everywhere.
https://missoulian.com/news/state-regional/bureau-land-management-bans-cyanide-bomb-predators/article_85958496-8ed7-11ee-b897-97719f971642.html
Montana has banned these items.
BLM is literally just the militarized branch of the livestock farmers lobby. Absolute scumbags.
They also kill wild horses because Ranchers love wiping out all wildlife on their factory farm properties.
That’s not a pleasant way to go… at all.
Cyanide isn’t some kind of instant, humane death.
What the hell are they killing coyotes on blm land for??? Is that not where the wildlife belongs?? Jesus christ this world is doomed. Enjoy your rat and rabbit infestations.
TIL We are just an evil species
That’s why hunting is a crucial and effective part of game management.
O, THERE ARE COYOTES UP ON SALT CREEK.
WATCH OUT FOR CYANIDE CAPSULES PUT ALONG THE CREEK TO KILL COYOTES. DON’T PICK THEM UP AND EAT THEM. NOT UNLESS YOU’RE A COYOTE. THEY’LL KILL YOU. LEAVE THEM ALONE.
> According to Wildlife Services’ own data, M-44s killed 6,579 animals, mostly coyotes and foxes, in 2018, down from 13,232 animals in 2017. Of these, more than 200 deaths were nontarget animals, including foxes, opossums, raccoons, skunks and a bear. These numbers probably significantly under-estimate the true death toll since Wildlife Services is notorious for poor data collection and an entrenched “shoot, shovel, shut up” mentality.
Well that’s pretty concerning
Many local governments in China use this method on an annual basis, to keep down strays in urban areas popular with tourists. The authorities do not announce the action, but you can tell it has taken place as all the vets are suddenly filled with poisoned pets.
Can it help with culling geckos?
But I cant do that on my own property.
This is why I don’t support BLM
We are under no obligation to make the world safe for your ~~pet~~ invasive species. Keep your animal on your property or on a leash.
You should hear the coyotes at night, all night, and right after it gets light.
In western Kentucky, there was a problem. Turkeys. They eat juvenile quail and the eggs. DNR’s response was to to release THOUSANDS of bred timber rattlesnakes into the region to mitigate turkey populations. It did not work.
I shouldnt have to hunt through the article to see an expanded thumbnail, only to end up not finding. Shit should be illegal.
But I shoot one in my backyard with a handgun, and everyone gets all whiny.
You know what takes care of coyotes? Wolves…wolves will kill and displace coyotes every time
OP’s title is a complete fabrication. While the article says that thousands of animals are killed each year it does not say they are all endangered or pets.
In the article it says 200 of 6507 animals killed by these in 2018 weren’t cototes, or 3%. Additionally, these non-target animals were:
> foxes, opossums, raccoons, skunks and a bear.
Most of which are just other pests. Doesn’t really seem like its that bad, any kind of trap is gonna get it wrong sometimes.
Please always read the article