City urged to ban rat bait traps to save owls

During a recent government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the use of rat bait boxes and their detrimental impact on local owl populations. A speaker highlighted a troubling incident involving an owl that had died from poisoning linked to these traps. Statistics shared during the discussion revealed that since September 2022, 52 owls were tested for poisoning, with 38 testing positive, underscoring the severity of the issue.

The speaker urged the community to refrain from using rat bait boxes, emphasizing the need for alternative pest control methods. The city itself has been using these traps at various facilities, including the Mackle Community Center and the North and South Water Plants. However, there are ongoing investigations into alternative solutions, such as fertility bait control, which would prevent rats from reproducing without posing a risk to owls and other wildlife.

Concerns were also raised about the lack of awareness among city departments regarding the impact of their pest control practices. It was suggested that communication with pest control contractors could facilitate a shift towards safer methods. The meeting concluded with a proposal for a presentation to the city council to further address these issues and promote awareness of the ecological consequences of current pest control strategies.