Rodent bait from oilsands poisoning animals commonly trapped in Alberta
Environment Canada says rat poison from oilsands facilities could be killing animals that are traditionally trapped for their fur.
The study, released last week, found rat poison in the livers of some fishers and martens that live near oilsands facilities as far north as Fort Chipewyan.
"There's some effects for sure," said Phil Thomas, a biologist for Environment Canada and the study's lead author. "It's the first time in Canada that fishers are reported to being exposed to rodenticides, and the first time worldwide that martens are being exposed."
The amounts could be high enough to kill the animals, deteriorate their fur or leave them weak and lethargic. The research also traced the restricted rodent poison Bromadiolone to its use in nearby oilsands operations.
Oilsands companies commonly use rodent poison to kill mice and squirrels that can sometimes damage equipment and buildings. Fishers and martens then eat the rodents.
The study screened the livers of animals commonly trapped in Alberta and northern Canada, which were submitted by local trappers. It found that 25 per cent of fishers and 10 per cent of martens had detectable levels of the poison.
Rodent bait from oilsands poisoning animals commonly trapped in Alberta - Edmonton - CBC News
Environment Canada says rat poison from oilsands facilities could be killing animals that are traditionally trapped for their fur.
The study, released last week, found rat poison in the livers of some fishers and martens that live near oilsands facilities as far north as Fort Chipewyan.
"There's some effects for sure," said Phil Thomas, a biologist for Environment Canada and the study's lead author. "It's the first time in Canada that fishers are reported to being exposed to rodenticides, and the first time worldwide that martens are being exposed."
The amounts could be high enough to kill the animals, deteriorate their fur or leave them weak and lethargic. The research also traced the restricted rodent poison Bromadiolone to its use in nearby oilsands operations.
Oilsands companies commonly use rodent poison to kill mice and squirrels that can sometimes damage equipment and buildings. Fishers and martens then eat the rodents.
The study screened the livers of animals commonly trapped in Alberta and northern Canada, which were submitted by local trappers. It found that 25 per cent of fishers and 10 per cent of martens had detectable levels of the poison.
Rodent bait from oilsands poisoning animals commonly trapped in Alberta - Edmonton - CBC News
