California Clamps Down on Rodenticides

In September, California enacted a law placing a moratorium on the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) until new restrictions are adopted to better protect wildlife from these highly toxic chemicals. The law also bans the use of SGARs in state parks, wildlife refuges, and conservancies. SGARs wreak havoc on nontarget wild animals through direct and secondary poisoning. In recent years, over 70 percent of wild animals tested in California have had SGARs in their systems, including mountain lions, bobcats, hawks, and coyotes, as well as endangered species such as the northern spotted owl, Pacific fisher, and San Joaquin kit fox.

Program Terms: Terrestrial Wildlife

AWI Quarterly Terms: Government/Legal, Quick Read