GREENFIELD — Wildlife advocates in Franklin County will lead a program at the Greenfield Public Library, as well as on Zoom, on Monday, Sept. 15, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. about keeping wildlife safe from rodenticides.
Hawks, eagles, owls, foxes and other predators play a key role in keeping ecosystems in balance and controlling rodent populations. But the increased use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides poses a growing threat to wildlife. The impacts of anticoagulant rodenticides extend beyond the rodents that are the main prey for many wildlife species; these chemicals are also killing non-target wildlife species and even pets.
In response, Mass Audubon is spearheading a growing movement to protect raptors and other wildlife from deadly rodent poisons. Additionally, many communities in Massachusetts have successfully enacted regulations to restrict or prohibit their use.
The Sept. 15 program will discuss the dangers of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides, the alternatives, how residents can get involved to restrict the use of these rodenticides locally and how the community can help move legislation forward to end the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides in Massachusetts. Attendees will also learn how Mass Audubon can help citizens and community leaders in Greenfield and Franklin County take action.
To register for the Zoom program, visit bit.ly/RescueFranklinCountyWildlife.
Another program on second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides, hosted by the Athol Bird and Nature Club, will be held Wednesday, Sept. 10, at 7 p.m. That program will include Stephanie Ellis, wildlife rehabilitator and executive director of Wild Care in Eastham, and Laura Kiesel, founder of Save Arlington Wildlife and the nonprofit Save Massachusetts Wildlife. Dave Small, naturalist and president of the Athol Bird and Nature Club, will serve as facilitator.
To register for the Athol Bird and Nature Club’s program, visit tinyurl.com/AtholRodenticides.
