The beauty of the wildlife in Toronto is something near and dear to many of our hearts. Sadly, it faces a growing threat that cannot go unaddressed - rodent poison. These poisons, while targeting pests in our city, are inadvertently introduced into our food chain, causing harm to a broader spectrum of wildlife. Our rats and mice are consumed by birds of prey and other predators, who then suffer the deadly consequences of these lethal chemicals.

Recently, we've seen a possible heartbreaking manifestation of this cycle. Two beautiful owls perished, their deaths most likely linked to exposure from rodent poison. I (we) can't stand by and allow more innocent animals to die from these harmful substances, when there are humane alternatives available for pest control.

Studies suggest rodenticides can wreak havoc on an ecosystem. A US study found that 79% of tested Bobcats had rodenticides in their systems, an alarming testament to the pervasiveness of these poisons beyond their intended victims (Riley et al., 2007). The detrimental impact this has on our ecosystem is undeniable.

The Story of the Great Horned Owls in High Park

For those familiar with Toronto, you may remember the beautiful family of nesting Great Horned Owls that lived in High Park. Park visitors were often greeted by the calls of both male and female owls, and in the spring, you might have had the chance to spot their owlets sitting high up in a tree, observing their new world from above.

Sadly, in 2022, the female Great Horned Owl was found dead high up in a tree, wedged between branches. Initially, it was thought that her death was merely an accident, possibly caused by a miscalculation in flight or being chased by another raptor and accidentally hitting the tree. Many found it hard to believe that her death was simply due to flying into a tree, so her body was retrieved and sent for testing to determine the actual cause of death.

Her liver was tested, and it was determined that the cause of death was not from flying into a tree but was instead caused by anticoagulant rodenticide (rat poison). Since losing his mate, this beautiful male Great Horned Owl sits in the trees alone and can be heard calling out in the evening. Thanks to Turtle Protectors for posting an update on this owl family.

This is just one prime example of what rodenticides do to our raptors and predators. These poisons do not just kill rats and mice; they move up the entire food chain, slowly sickening and killing the wildlife that preys on the rodents. Remember, once a rodent eats poisoned bait, it does not die right away. Instead, the rodents leave the poisoned bait boxes and make their way out into the parks and forests, where their poisoned bodies become food for predators.

Please note that rat poison does not just affect wildlife; cats and dogs are also known to both play with and eat rodents. Our pets can easily become victims of these unnecessary poisons. By properly storing our garbage and using alternative methods of rat control, such as live traps, snap traps, and newer birth control methods, we can manage the rodent population without harming the precious wildlife that makes Toronto so beautiful and unique.

The loss of our wildlife is something we cannot stand by and accept. If we don't protect our wildlife, they may vanish, becoming but a memory to look back upon in old photos.

Please join me in requesting the city of Toronto to ban the use of rodent poisons, promoting instead humane and environmentally safe pest control methods. Protecting wildlife of all species is not only vital for them, but ultimately for ourselves and our planet. Please sign this petition to make a stand for our local wildlife.

Update - Test have come back that these Snowy owls had bird flu at the time of their deaths. Unfortunately after a bird comes back positive for bird flu no further testing can be done for the safety of the people and other birds. Their is still the possibility that they may have been poisoned also, do to the fact that vomiting blood is not a symptom of bird flu.