Governor Gavin Newsom Wednesday signed legislation that is supposed to end the use of certain rat poisons he claimed have been found as a result of necropsies performed on mountain lions examined by wildlife officials. The same was reportedly true examinations conducted on dead birds of prey. Assembly Bill 1788 by Democratic Assemblymember Richard Bloom of Santa Monica prohibits second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides. The Governor referenced recent studies showing exposure can cause chronic growth and reproduction issues in the animals.
"Rodenticides are deadly for California's mountain lions and other precious wildlife across the state," said Governor Newsom. "My father was a naturalist and a strong advocate for the preservation of mountain lions, and I grew up loving these cats and caring about their well-being. He would be proud to know that California is taking action to protect mountain lion populations and other wildlife from the toxic effects of rodenticides."
"After many years of studying the impacts of these chemicals, we know that these poisons pose a serious threat to our wildlife," said Assemblymember Bloom. "Wildlife, especially our states Mountain Lions can't wait any longer."