Dear Administrator Jackson,

As a supporter of the Endangered Species Coalition, I strongly urge the EPA to ban the use of sodium monofluoroacetate (commonly called Compound 1080) and sodium cyanide, often used in “M-44” devices.

Compound 1080 is a deadly toxin with no known antidote. It is classified as a chemical weapon in some countries and has absolutely no place in our environment. It causes needless, prolonged suffering and has been unlawfully used to kill household pets and even endangered species. Government reports have concluded that USDA’s Wildlife Services has been unable to account for stockpiles of the toxin, which leaves this deadly chemical poison vulnerable to undetected theft and unauthorized use.

Wildlife Services uses another chemical agent, sodium cyanide, in a spring loaded ejector-known as an M-44 device. This device is placed in the habitat of target species—often on public lands— and coated with a bait substance. This puts at great risk any animal that happens across the baited device. Hundreds of non-target animals—including rare foxes,deer, bears, household pets and even eagles—have been killed by these devices. This use of sodium cyanide kills completely indiscriminately and must be banned.

There are effective, non-toxic alternatives to Compound 1080, sodium cyanide and other wildlife poisons. These include a wide range of proactive methods for protecting livestock such as fencing, guard animals, fladry, and non-lethal ammunition.

I urge you to ban the use of the deadly toxins sodium cyanide and Compound 1080.