UC Davis experts are quoted in The Davis Enterprise (Nov. 21) concerning the recent rodenticide poisoning of a Davis barn owl and domestic dogs. Unfortunately, UCD is one of the culprits responsible for the careless dissemination of rodenticides into the Davis environment.

The olive grove bike path between Russell Boulevard and Hutchison Drive contains numerous PVC ground squirrel bait stations that have been damaged or overturned. Spilled rodenticide pellets are evident around the bait dispensers and are readily available to sparrows, jays, magpies, crows, jackrabbits and other non-target wildlife species as well as dogs.

Seasonally, ground squirrel carcasses can be seen under the olive trees, where they attract vultures and other scavengers. With sloppy agricultural practices like these, it is no wonder that a variety of valuable wildlife species are being harmed.

The UCD Extension integrated pest management website touts ecologically sound past management strategies that minimize risk to people and the environment. However, when you view the UCD ag lands west of campus, the absence of owl nest boxes, bat boxes, raptor perches, hedgerows and other IPM methods is conspicuous. UC Davis does not practice what it preaches.

Paul R. Kelly
Davis

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