Natural History Wanderings

NPR reported that illegal marijuana farms in California are using  large amounts of rat bait to protect their plants . These chemicals are killing of several species of wild animals, including rare ones. The farms are typically in remote locations near streams. The streams attract animals, who also chew the plants to get moisture killing the plants. Growers use poisons to kill wild rodents who are eaten by other wildlife poisoning them as well. Wildlife who prey on the poisoned rodents include Northern spotted owls, fishers, foxes, and bobcats. Read more at Illegal, Remote Pot Farms In California Poisoning Rare Wildlife.NPR.