“The Rat Poison Problem: How Rodenticides Are Harming Wildlife, Pets, and People”

“In recent years, Massachusetts has been hit by a string of high profile wildlife deaths due to rodenticide poisoning, such as Mystic River watershed resident MK the bald eagle this past March. However, incidents like these point to a wider epidemic taking place out of the spotlight. Climate change, a construction boom, and increased human density have led to a dramatic rise in rats in metro areas like Boston. Rat poison usually is the main method for dealing with the problem. But these poisons are killing local wildlife and pets and endanger our young children, while not actually proving at all effective in reducing rodents. In this presentation, Save Arlington Wildlife founder Laura Kiesel will review facts about rodenticides and their effects on our health and the environment, while offering practical solutions residents of Somerville and other nearby cities can undertake to protect their communities from these dangerous poisons that will have positive ripple effects for the entire state.”