Banning SGARs is Vital for Raptor Conservation

Commonly used poisons called Second Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (SGARs) are lethal pesticides used in an attempt to control rodent populations. Black box bait stations containing SGARs are placed alongside homes, hotels, grocery stores, daycare centers, and more.

Rodenticides are proven to have devastating consequences on the ecosystem, negatively impacting local wildlife populations like raptors, degrading water, soil and plant communities and reducing local and regional biodiversity.

Any bird, wildlife or pet that eats poisoned rodents accumulates SGARs in their own bodies, often leading to death. Since raptors consume thousands of rodents a year, they are particularly susceptible to these impacts. Safer alternatives exist, and when used together are often more effective than simply relying on rodenticides.
Barred Owl by Jenny Zhao courtesy of Mass Audubon

Join Audubon in Protecting Raptors Against SGARs

State legislation to ban SGARs could save thousands of raptors annually. In 2024, Audubon Society of Rhode Island made it a priority to advocate for the first-ever bill to ban the use and sale of SGARs in Rhode Island, and we will continue to do so.

Sign Our Petition to RI Legislators

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Do you have rodents?
You can reduce your rodent problem AND save thousands of raptors annually! Check out the resources below.

Audubon's Two-Pager on Integrated Pest Management
Great for sharing with businesses and neighbors!

Integrated Pest Management Toolkit
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a combination of strategies that modify the environment and make it less attractive for rodents. Check out this toolkit created by experts from Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire Audubons.

Pest Prevention Resource Guide by the City of Providence
Review these prevention tips and guidance to help make your property “Rodent Ready!”

WATCH: Forum for Safe Rodent Control in New England
We brought together New England’s leading poison-free pest control professionals to discuss how to safely manage rodent problems. Watch to learn about their proven, wildlife-safe pest control approaches, then bring your knowledge home to advocate for an end to rodent poison use in your community!

Rhode Island’s wildlife rehabilitators agree that SGARs impact many of the animals they treat. Watch a video of federally licensed wildlife rehabilitator Sheida Soleimani, who operates a clinic called Congress of the Birds, testify in 2024. Telling your story to the state legislators is a powerful way that you can help our efforts to ban SGARs and protect raptors.