Wildlife Services, the ironically named branch of the USDA that shot, trapped and poisoned over 6 million animals between 2004 and 2006, is mostly unknown to the public that finances it. The two deadliest poisons used by the agency to intentionally exterminate native predators inconvenient to private livestock and hobby ranchers – known commonly as Compound 1080 and M-44s – are unnecessary, indiscriminate and outrageously cruel. To outlaw these lethal land mines nationwide, Oregon’s Representative Peter Defazio has formally introduced H.R. 4775, the Compound 1080 and M-44 Elimination Act. Although it’s not purely a local issue, H.R. 4775 has its roots in Oregon, deserves support and needs our help. I volunteer with Predator Defense, the national non-profit organization based in Oregon, that's behind the bill.

Coyote pup. Photo courtesy Predator Defense.

Banned in 1972, Compound 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) was re-approved by the EPA in the mid-80’s. Wildlife Services, formerly known as Animal Damage Control, currently supplies the highly-concentrated, odorless, tasteless and colorless poison – that has no antidote – in the form of pouches on livestock collars. When punctured by sharp objects, like the teeth of predators such as coyotes, foxes, bobcats or wolves, the result is an agonizingly painful and slow death, sometimes lasting for several days. But the carnage doesn’t stop there. Other species, such as bald eagles, may feast on the victims’ tainted carcasses and suffer the same effects. Moreover, 1080 – which is so toxic that a teaspoonful can kill a hundred humans – easily dissolves in water and is considered a "super toxin" and potential chemical warfare agent by U.S. and Canadian governments. Compound1080 and M-44 devices have been classified by the EPA as Category 1 toxicants, the highest level of acute toxicity.

M-44 sodium cyanide devices are small, spring-loaded aluminum cylinders with a lethal dose of sodium cyanide inside and a baited covering outside that attracts animals. When tugged at, the poison is ejected into a victim’s mouth and upon mixing with saliva, creates the poison gas which causes convulsions and a painful, traumatic death. Placed partially buried on public and private lands by government agents, these deadly contraptions – sometimes called “coyote getters” – also kill threatened and endangered species like California condors and wolves, and companion animals. And because warning signs are often inadequate or nonexistent and because the ejectors can shoot cyanide granules up to five feet in the air, humans have become hapless victims as well. The EPA has just recently agreed to investigate one 2004 case involving a Utah man who mistook an M-44 for a survey marker.

M-44 device. Photo courtesy Predator Defense.

The few livestock killed by predators does not justify the slaughter of wild animals. The USDA’s own data show that most livestock losses are attributable to disease or exposure; in 2005, less than 1% of cattle were killed by predators and only 3% of sheep died from predation in 2004. Killing coyotes, for which much of the poison is intended in the U.S., paradoxically increases their numbers. Studies show that when dominant coyotes – the ones most likely to kill livestock – are slaughtered, the surviving coyotes increase hunting and may produce larger litters at a younger age. Non-lethal livestock protection, including proper fencing, night penning, and shepherds, can be very effective.

H.R. 4775 would amend the Toxic Substances Control Act to prohibit the manufacture, processing or distribution of Compound 1080, require the Secretary of Agriculture to inventory, collect and destroy all existing stocks, and prohibit the federal government’s use of M-44s for controlling predatory animals. Following an 18-month grace period, possession of 1080 would be criminally punishable.

Predator Defense, an organization that has worked to stop this war on wildlife for many years, is seeking at least 20 more U.S. representatives to co-sponsor H.R. 4775. Current co-sponsors may be found at http://www.opencongress.org/bill/110-h4775/show. Not one Oregon representative has signed up to date.

What can you do?
Ask your federal representative to co-sponsor H.R. 4775 (The Compound 1080 and M-44 Elimination Act) to ban these insidious poisons that threaten wildlife, companion animals and the public. Our government ought to be protecting native carnivores which are essential to ecosystem health, not exterminating them!

For contact information and current status of the bill, visit:  http://www.opencongress.org/bill/110-h4775/show