Wildlife

Wild Barn Owl Rodenticide Impacts

Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides accumulate in barn owls through prey, causing internal bleeding, reduced breeding and population decline.

Key Facts

Studies find rodenticide contamination in over 80% of barn owls tested in the UK
Second-generation rodenticides cause coagulopathy and internal haemorrhage
Barn owls accumulate rodenticides through eating contaminated small mammals
Non-target poisoning cascades from rodent control to apex predators
Barn owl population recovery is impeded by rodenticide exposure

Welfare Considerations

Rodenticide poisoning causes a prolonged and painful death from internal bleeding. The contamination of barn owls - iconic predators that naturally control rodents - undermines the very argument for rodenticide use. Integrated pest management reducing rodenticide reliance protects both barn owl welfare and natural pest control services.

What You Can Do

Choose rodenticide-free pest control methods where possible
Report dead or dying barn owls to wildlife rehabilitation centres for testing
Support campaigns for tighter restrictions on second-generation rodenticides