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U.S. Fish &Wildlife Service
Facts on Secondary Pentobarbital
Poisoning in Wildlife
Presented by:
U.S. Fish &Wildlife Service
and
National Fish &Wildlife Foundation
Each year, a number
of eagles, other
wildlife, and dogs
are poisoned after
eating tissues of
pentobarbital
euthanized
carcasses.
Photo Courtesy of Dr. Richard Stroud/USFWS
Improper disposal
gives scavenging
animals access to
carcasses.
In recent years, at
least 140 bald and
golden eagles
have been
intoxicated after
eating
pentobarbitaltainted carcasses.
Photo Courtesy of USFWS
Most of these birds died at
the carcass site.
John Rawls/USFWS
Others wandered into
traffic, drowned, or
were killed by
predation, mobbing
attacks, or
electrocution
after contact
with power
lines.
Peter Carboni/USFWS
Which animals are affected by
secondary poisoning?
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Most reported cases involve eagles.
All scavenging animals are potentially at
risk if they have access to a
pentobarbital-tainted carcass.
A variety of other species have been
poisoned, including domestic dogs.
USFWS
James Leupold/ USFWS
Gary Stolz/ USFWS
Dr. Kirsten Krueger/Habitat & Animal Health Concern
Other Susceptible Avian Scavengers
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California condors
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Vultures
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Hawk species
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Wood storks
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Gulls
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Crows
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Ravens
Gary Kramer/ USFWS
Susceptible Mammalian Scavengers
Jim Frates/ USFWS
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Bears
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Martens & fishers
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Lynxes
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Foxes
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Bobcats
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Cougars
How do animals gain access to
poisoned carcasses?
• Carcasses of euthanized large animals are
inadvertently left exposed on farms or ranches
• Poor communication between veterinarian &
animal owner
• Owner does not realize carcass is poisonous
• Other sources of secondary poisoning
• Small animal carcasses deposited in landfills
• Carcasses acquired to feed captive carnivores
In many instances, euthanized carcasses were left out in the field to be
scavenged. A golden eagle died after feeding on this carcass.
Steve Magone/ USFWS
In other cases, landfill scavengers have
been poisoned by carcasses that were not
quickly covered over.
Andy Buhl/ USFWS
Poisonings due to accidental feeding of tainted
meat to captive animals have also been reported.
Larry Moats/ USFWS
Gary Stolz/ USFWS
USFWS
Gary Stolz/
USFWS
Poisoning of eagles or other wild birds, even
if accidental, violates Federal law!
Jamie Richie/ USFWS
Applicable Federal wildlife protection laws include:
• Migratory Bird Treaty Act
• Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act
• Endangered Species Act
Photo Courtesy of USFWS
Federal Wildlife Protection Laws
• Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) protects
virtually all wild avian species in North America,
including parts, eggs & nests.
• Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (Eagle Act)
protects eagles and their parts, eggs & nests.
• Endangered Species Act (ESA) protects
threatened & endangered species & critical
habitat.
What are the possible penalties for
violating these laws?
• Penalties sought are based on the
circumstances surrounding a case.
• The laws provide for substantial fines and
prison sentences in criminal cases.
• For example, the maximum fine for violating the
Eagle Act is $100,000 for a person or $200,000 for
an organization and one year in prison.
• Civil fines up to $25,000 are also possible.
How is liability determined under
Federal wildlife laws?
• Under MBTA, “intent” is not required for criminal
conviction. A person who poisons a bird, even
unintentionally, may be held criminally liable.
• Under ESA and Eagle Act, unintentionally poisoning
a protected species is a civil violation.
• Criminal convictions under ESA & Eagle Act require
that violation be “knowingly” committed.
Who is liable when a protected species dies
from secondary pentobarbital poisoning?
• Veterinarians may be liable under MBTA,
ESA, and Eagle Act for poisoning a protected
species.
• In recent cases, both livestock owner &
attending veterinarian have been fined for
“involuntary killing” of eagles.
How can secondary poisoning be prevented?
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●
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If possible, incinerate carcasses.
Alternatively, immediately bury carcasses
deeply in the field.
When ground is frozen, cover or store
carcasses to prevent access by scavenging
animals.
Review and modify local landfill practices to
prevent scavenger access to euthanized
carcasses.
How can veterinarians prevent
secondary poisonings?
●
●
●
Notify clients about
need for proper carcass
disposal.
Label carcasses with a
prominent “POISON”
tag.
Include a carcass
disposal warning on the
euthanasia consent
form.
© Habitat & Animal Health Concern
Veterinarians must inform
clients that a pentobarbitaleuthanized carcass is
poisonous and requires proper
disposal.
The client needs to know that
the carcass can poison and kill
scavenging animals, including
federally protected species,
other wildlife, or even pet
dogs.
Photo Courtesy of USFWS
Euthanasia by pentobarbital injection is a humane way to
end the suffering of a sick animal. But this
compassionate act can cause the premature deaths of
other animals if the euthanized carcass is left exposed.
Only veterinarians may use pentobarbital euthanasia
preparations. They must make every effort to keep this
poison from harming other animals.
Gary Stolz/USFWS
For further information, read the USFWS Fact Sheet on
Secondary Pentobarbital Poisoning in Wildlife or contact your
local USFWS law enforcement office.
Mike Lockart/ USFWS