Member of Buffalo Ridge Pack was poisoned illegally with compound 1080

USFWS law enforcement confirms member of Buffalo Ridge Pack deliberately poisoned with 1080.

1-22-2004, update 1-23-2004.

Sodium monoflouroacetate -- "compound 1080" is one of the nastiest poisons ever created. It is odorless, tasteless and colorless, and kills in a horrible way. A single teaspoonful could kill 100 people.

It was once used by ranchers with abandon and hundreds of thousands of wildlife were killed, many of them not predators of livestock. Livestock and dogs also died. In 1972 President Nixon banned the use of 1080.

Livestock interests, however, did not give up and they got permission to inject it into "Livestock Protection Collars" worn by domestic sheep. When a coyote bites the sheep on the neck, it is poisoned. Wildlife supporters have always worried that the compound will find its way into illegal use (all use except livestock protection collars) is illegal.

There is also worry that it could be a terrible weapon of mass destruction used by terrorists against the American population, but the Bush Administration has refused to ban it. Cynics say it's because the value their ties to the livestock industry more than danger to the public.

Someone has used it illegally against Idaho wolves. Fortunately only one died, and the loss had little effect on the Buffalo Ridge Pack, a highly visible pack last spring that denned near Clayton, Idaho.

It was reported last May that one member of the pack was dead under suspicious circumstances. Today U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Law Enforcement put out the news release below.

I have been unable to contact anyone today, but as of several months ago the Buffalo Ridge Pack was thriving on its summer and fall range.

NEWS RELEASE-

OFFICE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT 1387 S. Vinnell Way Boise, Idaho 83709 208-378-5333 Fax 208-378-5339 January 16, 2004 For Immediate Release Contact: Scott Kabasa, 208-378-5333 GRAY WOLF POISONED NEAR CLAYTON, IDAHO U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service law enforcement agents have recently confirmed poisoning as the cause of death of a gray wolf in Idaho, and are seeking information from the public to help solve the crime. The collared wolf, known as B-143, was found to have been killed by a poison known as Compound 1080. The animal's carcass was found 6 miles northwest of Clayton, Idaho, in the Squaw Creek Drainage on May 18, 2003. Compound 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, water soluble, highly toxic chemical. The misuse of this chemical is unlawful. This chemical can be ingested by livestock, family pets, hikers, and children and can result in death from respiratory failure, seizures and heart attack. Animals or small children are most susceptible to poisoning due to ingestion, but the substance's toxins can also enter animal or human bloodstreams through contact with abraded skin or wounds, or through the respiratory system if dust particles are inhaled. "We are very interested in finding whoever is responsible for the crime. If anyone has information about the illegal killing of wolves, please contact the Service's law enforcement division. Callers may remain anonymous," said Scott Kabasa, a Special Agent in the Service's Boise field office. The killing of an animal protected under the Endangered Species Act is punishable by a fine of up to $100,000 and one year in jail. The Service is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to an arrest or conviction of the person or persons responsible for the poisoning of wolves. Service law enforcement agents may be reached at (208) 378-5333.

Update on 1-23-2004

I talked with Carter Niemeyer who manages wolves in Idaho for USFWS. He said he found the wolf, and the wolf (B143) "died a horrible death." The wolf was found near a rock slide with its paws torn up from convulsions and teeth clenched, body rigid from convulsions.

Niemeyer said this is "an absolutely stupid way" for anti-wolfers to try to kill wolves because of the great danger to other animals and even people can be poisoned. Because the actual poison was not found, Niemeyer said that depending on the "vehicle" the poison was in (such as lard, a carcass, or whatever) there still might be a danger to people or animals, such as dogs, who visit the area where the carcass was found, which fortunately is not next to an improved road.

As far as the Buffalo Ridge pack itself goes, it currently has 5-7 members and has been seen on the winter range preying on wintering ungulates. My guess is they will probably den in or near the same area.

Story in Challis Messenger 2-5-2004. FWS confirms illegal wolf poisoning up Squaw Creek. By Todd Adams

Return To Maughan Wolf Report Page

Not to be reprinted, archived, redistributed, etc., without permission.
Ralph Maughan PO Box 8264, Pocatello, ID 83209