Two months ago, I had a retreat at the Benedictine Abbey of Walburga located north of Fort Collins. I noticed dozens of green containers with rodent poison placed outside all their buildings. This is disturbing since the Abbey is located in a mountain meadow which is a natural habitat for mice and their predators. I saw many beautiful raptors on their property. Since secondary poisoning of rodent predators is inevitable and dying from a rodent poison is a gruesome ordeal, I expressed my concerns to the Abbey and eventually received a letter from them. It stated that the poison is necessary due to a Larimer County requirement that they control rodents. It also stated that the poison, difethialone is humane and that they have never witnessed any poisoning of rodent predators. Difethialone is listed as a highly toxic poison. I contacted several wildlife biologists who all agreed that secondary poisoning up the food chain is unavoidable, especially considering the numerous poison containers at the abbey. A poisoned wild animal will also find a secluded place to suffer and die.I also contacted the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment and they said they would never recommend or require that sort of rodent control. If there is a rodent problem, they suggest preventative measures first and if they do recommend poison, they advise the operator to use bait very selectively only inside the building. If you are also troubled by this situation, please contact the Abbey.

Thank you.

Timothy Jonas SlonakerLaramie, WY.

No need to print this info–I may be contacted at jonaslon@uwyo.eduor at 307-721-5852