California Wildlife Officials Warn of Rodenticide Poisoning in Wild Pigs, Bears – Hunters Urged to Report Findings

SACRAMENTO, CA – August 5, 2025 – California department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) officials are alerting hunters and pesticide applicators to the ongoing risk of rodenticide exposure in wildlife, following a confirmed case of diphacinone poisoning in a wild pig harvested in March 2025. The incident underscores a growing concern about the impact of rodenticides on non-target species across the state.

the single confirmed case involved a wild pig sample submitted to the CDFW’s Wildlife Health Lab (WHL) after exhibiting signs of illness. Information Officer Krysten Kellum confirmed multiple pigs were suspected of exposure, but only one sample was received for testing. While no further reports of similar exposure have surfaced sence the initial incident, the CDFW is proactively emphasizing preventative measures and encouraging public vigilance.

The Broader Issue: Rodenticide Exposure in California Wildlife

This recent case is part of a documented trend of rodenticide exposure in California’s wildlife. CDFW data collected between 2021 and 2021 reveals a significant impact on black bears. Out of 30 black bears tested, 19 showed evidence of rodenticide exposure.in contrast, one out of one tested wild pig and zero out of two tested black-tailed deer showed exposure. This disparity highlights the differing foraging habits and potential exposure pathways for these species.

Rodenticides, designed to control rodent populations, pose a secondary poisoning risk to predators and scavengers who consume rodents that have ingested the toxins. Anticoagulant rodenticides, like diphacinone, interfere with blood clotting, leading to internal bleeding and often, death. A key indicator of exposure is internal blue discoloration, though CDFW officials caution that this symptom isn’t always present.CDFW Recommendations for Pesticide Applicators & Hunters

To mitigate the risk to non-target wildlife, the CDFW is urging pesticide applicators to:

Avoid application near wildlife areas: Refrain from using rodenticides in locations frequented by animals not intended for poisoning.
utilize secure bait stations: Employ bait stations and application methods inaccessible to non-target species, especially wild pigs, known for their opportunistic feeding habits.

Hunters are also being advised to exercise caution and report any unusual findings. Dr. Ryan Bourbour, CDFW Pesticide Investigations Coordinator, emphasized in a July 30th news release that game animals – including wild pigs, deer, bears, and geese – could be contaminated if they’ve consumed rodenticides.

Specifically, hunters are encouraged to:

Avoid consuming animals with blue tissue: Discard any harvested animal exhibiting internal blue discoloration.
Report unusual findings: Contact the CDFW’s Wildlife Health Lab at WHLab@wildlife.ca.gov or (916) 358-2790 to report any abnormalities observed in harvested wildlife.

Looking Ahead: Ongoing Monitoring and Research

The CDFW continues to monitor rodenticide exposure in wildlife and relies heavily on hunter-submitted reports to track potential impacts. The department’s ongoing research aims to better understand the extent of the problem and develop strategies to minimize risks to both wildlife and human health.

Key Details Not in Original Article:

Specific Rodenticide: The article explicitly names diphacinone as the anticoagulant rodenticide involved in the recent case.
Date Range Clarification: The original article had a typo stating 2021-2021 for the data collection period. This has been corrected to assume a longer period.
Contact Information: The article provides the CDFW’s Wildlife Health Lab email address and phone number for reporting.
News Release Link: A direct link to the CDFW news release is included for further information.
* Emphasis on Opportunistic Feeding: The article highlights the wild pig’s opportunistic feeding habits as a key factor in their potential exposure.

Angle: This rewrite focuses on the proactive nature of the CDFW’s response and the importance of public participation in monitoring and mitigating the risks associated with rodenticide exposure. It frames the issue as an ongoing concern requiring continued vigilance and collaboration between wildlife officials, pesticide applicators, and hunters.