Illegal pot growers are using rat poison to protect crops and are killing the threatened West Coast Fisher in the process.
The West Coast Fisher is threatened and Canadian and US governments are considering putting it on the Endangered Species List. Among countless threats, including habitat loss, is rat poison. This poison is being used by marijuana growers and has been found in 80% of a sample of 58 dead fishers in Northern California.
Fishers in British Columbia are blue-listed as a species of special concern; these small yet fierce forest creatures are unknowingly happening upon grow-ops and are dying as they consume poisoned rats. Since grow-ops occur in forested regions of British Columbia, fishers are being poisoned in their own habitat.
Sign below to urge the Canadian Ministry of Natural Resources to review this problem and put a stop to the senseless deaths of threatened fishers.
Dear Joe Oliver, Minister of Natural Resources -
The fact that a threatened species is dying because of the actions of illegal marijuana growers is infuriating.
80% of dead fishers tested, had rat poison in their systems, likely from their prey, though some may have consumed the poison directly.
We the undersigned implore you to investigate this and other threats to the West Coast Fisher. Too many animals are at risk in the sensitive West Coast region, and poison from marijuana growers is an absurd reason for an animal to die.
Please review this issue and lead the way to protect the West Coast Fisher.
Sincerely,
Concerned Canadians
