A Moratorium On Rat Poison Hopes To Help Wildlife

The San Joaquin kit fox, Northern spotted owl and California condor are just some of California’s wildlife that have fallen prey to diphacinone, a type of rat poison. A new law signed yesterday by Gov. Gavin Newsom will place a moratorium on its use while scientists study its effects.

The law, effective January 1, 2024, nixes the use of the “first-generation” coagulant poison — those that are made before the year 1970. It expands on a 2020 ban that targeted "second-generation" rat poisons — poisons made after 1970.

L.A.’s beloved mountain lion, P-22, is arguably the most well-known victim of unintended rat poisoning.

Besides the poison’s effects on wildlife, over 3,000 humans in 2021 were also harmed. At least 2,300 of those were children.

Lisa Owens Viani directs the organization Raptors Are the Solution, a supporter of the moratorium. She points to the danger diphacinone poses to the over 30 wild species that can consume the poisoned rats or are able to access bait boxes that contain the poison.

“Our goal is just to see less wildlife poisoned and sickened by these products,” Vanai said. “So we really think this bill will go a long way to reducing that problem.”

What is diphacinone?

Diphacinone is the most common "first-generation" rat poison to be found within non-target wildlife. In the 2023 report, the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) said there was a significant increase in the number of animals exposed to the chemical.

The report also stated that unintended poisoning of other animals from diphacinone correlated with the passing of the 2020 "second-generation" pesticide ban.

“This year's bill essentially puts a moratorium on diphacinone while the state re-evaluates,” Viani said.

The re-evaluation will focus on addressing how diphacinone affects an animal, both on its own and when used in conjunction with "second-generation" poisons.

Raptors Are the Solution encourages people to report violators of the new ban, effective in January, to the CA Department of Pesticide Regulation or your local agricultural commissioner.

“This is the least we can do to protect our pets, family members, and the wildlife we hold dear,” Viani said.