UNLAWFUL POISONER KILLS MORE THAN COYOTES - FINED $6,000

Released on July 18, 2000

A Lloydminster area resident was recently fined a total of $6,000 at Provincial

Court in Lloydminster for two separate illegal predator poisoning incidents -

one near Smeaton and another near Marshall, Saskatchewan.



In addition to 19 dead coyotes, investigating conservation officers from

Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management (SERM) found 40 other poisoned

animals around the two sites. Other poisoned animals included: two bald

eagles, three hawks, 10 magpies, one weasel, six red foxes, two wolves, 11

ravens, a snowy owl, a gray jay, a dark-eyed junko, a domestic dog and a

domestic cat.



The poisoning agent used by the violator in both incidents was deer meat

covered with Furadan, a highly toxic pesticide, generally used in Saskatchewan

in diluted quantities to control grasshopper infestations in crops under very

restricted conditions. SERM Lloydminster Conservation Officer Lloyd Moore

expressed concern about Furadan's far reaching consequences and the fact that

the poison can be absorbed through the skin on contact.



"Not only do the animals that directly consume poisoned baits die, but the

animals that feed on them and even people that handle poisoned animals are at

risk," Moore said.



Information regarding effective mechanical methods of predator control, such as

snaring, trapping or hunting are available at all SERM offices. Anyone wishing

to report suspected wildlife, fisheries or environmental abuses is encouraged

to make use of the province's toll-free TIP line at 1-800-667-7561 or contact

any SERM office.



- 30 -



For more information, contact:



Lloyd Moore, Conservation Officer

Parkland West Resource Management Area

Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management

Phone: (306) 825-6430



Rick Douslin

Resource Manager, Grassland Region

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-1040