The adverse effects of anticoagulant rodenticides on Kiawah’s bobcat population are well-documented. Since August 2019, seven bobcats (one of which was a female pregnant with four kittens) have died due to SGA toxicity or exposure.
Town Biologists have long suspected that if these toxic chemicals are present in bobcats, then they are likely to be present in other animal species on the island. Because of this concern, Town Biologists began collecting samples from other animals found sick or dying on the island. To date, Biologists have collected and sampled five raccoons and one opossum. Samples were sent to the Michigan State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in early September.
The results were received, and all six animals were found to have at least one anticoagulant rodenticide in their system. In addition, anticoagulant levels in several of the animals were similar to the levels seen in the three adult bobcats that died directly from anticoagulant poisoning. This would suggest that many of these animals died from the accumulation of these rodenticides.
This new evidence reconfirms the dangers and impacts to Kiawah wildlife from the use of anticoagulant rodenticides. Help protect all of Kiawah’s wildlife today by signing the Bobcat Guardian pledge and help us spread the word.
