Animals found sick after ingesting rat poison

A hiker found a sick bobcat at Wilder Ranch State Park in Santa Cruz, Friday afternoon. Director of Wildlife Emergency Services, Rebecca Dmytryk, said the animal is a victim of rat poisoning and will likely die.

Saturday morning, neighbors discovered a similar scenario in Prunedale. A poisoned hawk was captured and taken to the Monterey County SPCA.

“We are killing all the predators that are keeping the rodents under control by putting the rat poison out,” said Dmytryk.

Dmytryk said Wildlife Emergency Services has captured nearly 100 poisoned animals across the Central Coast in the past three years.

Poisoned rats are attractive prey for many animals. Once eaten, that predator will likely become sick, as well. Wildlife experts are urging people who live in areas frequented by wildlife to trash the poison.

“I don’t really like using any kinds of pesticides or poisons,” said Prunedale resident, Kate Sawyers.

While some have already made the switch, Dmytryk said she knows others are still hooked. She recommends “rat proofing” your home, naturally. Homeowners can do this by patching holes and removing any potential food sources.

“Whatever it is the animals want we need to stop them from getting to it. They’re not going to waste their time if there’s nothing rewarding there,” said Dmytryk.

If you see a sick animal, call Emergency Wildlife Services at 866-945-3911.