Urban Wildlife and Rodenticide Policy

Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides used in urban pest control cause widespread secondary poisoning of raptors, foxes, and other urban predators.

Key Facts

Studies find second-generation rodenticide residues in over 85% of red kites, barn owls, and buzzards tested
Urban foxes, polecats, and pine martens also accumulate residues from eating poisoned rodents
Sub-lethal exposure impairs blood clotting leading to slow hemorrhagic death from minor injuries
First-generation anticoagulants and non-anticoagulant alternatives provide effective rodent control with less bioaccumulation
EU has restricted most second-generation rodenticide approvals for professional use only

Welfare Considerations

Secondary rodenticide poisoning is one of the most widespread and preventable welfare harms affecting urban and suburban wildlife. Animals dying from rodenticide accumulation experience internal hemorrhage that may take days to cause death after initially appearing unaffected. Supporting transition to less bioaccumulative pest control protects the welfare of raptors, foxes, and other predators that provide natural pest control services.

What You Can Do

Switch from second-generation to first-generation anticoagulant rodenticides or non-chemical alternatives
Report suspected rodenticide poisoning of wildlife to relevant monitoring programs
Advocate for restrictions on second-generation rodenticide availability to the general public
Support wildlife monitoring programs tracking rodenticide exposure in predator populations
Learn to recognize and report symptoms of rodenticide poisoning in wildlife near your home