M44 (cyanide device)

The M44 cyanide device (also called a 'cyanide gun' or a 'cyanide trap') is used for the elimination of suspected livestock predators, such as coyotes blamed for the loss of profits. It lures predators with an attractive smell, often from a small piece of bait, then uses a spring to propel a dosage of sodium cyanide into the predator's mouth. The sodium cyanide combines with water in the mouth to produce poisonous cyanide gas.

The M44 was invented in the 1960s to replace a different device known as a 'coyote-getter' which made use of powdered cyanide ejected by a primer. The M44 reduces the risk to humans from the earlier device. [Lee, C. [http://wildlifedamage.unl.edu/handbook/Chapters/elgplee.doc|"Status of M-44 Device"] . Retrieved on 10 May 2007.] They are considered relatively safe because of the high level of selectivity they afford.

Use of the M44 device has been criticised by animal welfare and environmental groups, as the devices have many unintended victims, including pets and endangered species. In 2003, Mr. Dennis Slaugh of Vernal, Utah, was on public lands and mistook an M-44 for a survey marker. When he pulled on it, the device shot sodium cyanide powder on his face and chest causing him to become violently ill. [http://www.defazio.house.gov/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=360|DeFazio Secures EPA Investigation of M-44 Sodium Cyanide Poisoning] ] (Some commentators noted that this confirmed the devices also served to protect survey markers from vandalism.) In February 2006, an M44 device killed a man's dog in Utah, as the dog and owner were walking through public land. The man was also affected by the cyanide in the device, and is seeking compensation from the US Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Service, along with the Utah Department of Food and Agriculture. [ [http://sinapu.wordpress.com/2007/04/23/utah-man-demands-100000-for-poisoning-death-of-his-dog/|Utah Man Demands $10,000 for Poisoning Death of His Dog] ]

References