Canids of Maine's Journal

Poisons can have far reaching effects - including illness or death for our pets and wildlife.

Anticoagulant rodenticides can pose a risk via direct consumption of the rodenticide or consuming an animal that has rodenticides in its body.

Secondary rodenticide toxicity can make individuals more susceptible to infections or diseases and can also be fatal.

Read more about the dangers of rodenticides in the paper titled, "Managing Wildlife Damage: Secondary Toxicity of Antiocoagulant Rodenticides - Effect on Predators" by Justine L Smith and Michael T Mengak (link below)

https://bugwoodcloud.org/resource/files/26414.pdf

Sarcoptic mange affects both domestic and wild animals. It is caused by the infestation of a mite in the skin and results in intense itchiness, hair thinning/loss, thickened/crusty skin, and scabbing. Secondary infections are also common. Afflicted animals suffer greatly, and if not treated, mange can lead to a slow, terrible death.

For various reasons, including a lack of respect for and understanding of our carnivores and the vital role they play in our ecosystems, mange was intentionally introduced to wild coyote and wolf populations as a "control" tool in the past and is yet another example of a misguided and ineffective attempt to "manage" our wildlife.

Today, thanks to Millstone Wildlife Center, this little coyote is being treated for mange and given a second chance at life. Wildlife rehabilitators are a great resource if you find an injured or sick animal!

Images courtesy of Millstone Wildlife Center