The new blog for students in North Salem High School's Science Research Program.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
M-44
You've done the research, now sound off! Post your opinion on this "wildlife control" technique and suggest possible alternatives. Post your best 250 words here on or before Monday, February 11th.
The M-44, prior to the ban on cartridge-like dispersal systems was dubbed the “coyote-getter,” and now simply called by its name. This weapon is used primarily by farmers and trappers trying to kill coyotes and other predators that make a nuisance on their land. The M-44 is a small pipe-like object with a cap that contains about 0.97 grams of sodium cyanide. The M-44s are usually driven into the ground and fixed with a piece of meat or enticing object hitched to the top so that when one of these predators attempts to eat the alluring object, it is instantly puffed with 0.97 grams of cyanide powder which then turns to a gas and instantly kills the animal. Also, the sodium cyanide is not harmful to the environment as it gets broken down by the microorganisms in the soil. In 1999, the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) surveyed producers and found that coyotes killed an estimated 165,800 sheep and lambs nationwide worth a total of $9.6 million. These tools are very effective at killing the primary predatory targets which is quite good for the people whose livestock and game are being eliminated. The problem with these M-44s is that they have killed many unintended targets. Sometimes even humans are harmed by the M-44’s poisonous fumes. In many cases, pets have been killed by these devices, most noticeably out west. However, the amount of risk has greatly subsided since the 0.38 caliber-like dispersal systems were outlawed. These forms of the device were extremely unstable and dangerous and therefore outlawed in the 1960s. The M-44s, if used carefully and precautions are taken to ensure that there is little risk to unintended targets, can be very useful devices for trappers and farmers.
M-44 cyanide is a dangerous devise that is known as Cyanide Guns or Cyanide Traps. The device is small. It is 6-inches long and put vertically into the ground. The cap of the device is filled with cyanide powder that is deadly to anyone who is near it when it is released. If the powder is in contact with any moisture it turns into a deadly gas. The powder is released when you pull on the cap or the piece of bait that is attached to the cap then it will trigger the spring to discharge the powder. The m-44 cyanide is commonly used to target coyotes. The device is used so the deadly powder goes straight into the coyote’s mouth. They are commonly used on public land as well as private ranching property. The ranchers and the government support the use of the m-44 cyanide because it protects their land or farm from other animals that might eat their livestock. Coyotes kill as many as 165,800 sheep and lambs nationwide worth a total of $9.6 million. But other animals such as feral dogs and foxes also kill livestock. Overall coyotes, foxes, and feral dogs kill over $56.2 million worth of livestock each year. For farmers the m-44 cyanide protects their animals from prey. It is also not harmful to the environment because if the powder reaches the soil and the soil has moisture then the powder would disperse quickly. If the soil is dry then the powder would eventually be broken down by micro-organisms. This practice is lawful but inhuman. The animal will die within 10 seconds to 2 minutes when injected with the powder. It is also dangerous for humans. A fatal dose is only 50-60 mg and it can be inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through the skin and eyes. Even if someone holds their breath they would not be safe. The m-44 cyanide is an easy way to keep out pest, but it is inhuman to the animals that are affected by it and dangerous to humans.
The M44 trap is most commonly associated with the trapping of predators such as coyotes. The structure of the M44 is quite simple. A small pipe is driven into the ground with a capsule of the sodium cyanide powder attached to a spring device. The M44’s purpose is to lure the predator to the trap using bait. Once there, if the animal pulls on the spring, sodium cyanide is sprayed into the animal’s mouth and face. When this sodium cyanide comes in contact with moisture, it creates a deadly mixture of cyanide gas. This method of killing predators is considered too harsh by many animal welfare and environmental groups. It not only poses a threat to other wildlife animals, but also to humans and pets. There have been reported cases in which pets and humans were poisoned by this method of killing. Many wildlife protection agencies claim that this is a safer method than previously used ones but there are alternatives for it. Some of these include guard dogs and taste aversions. Guard dogs, such as herder dogs and collies, can be trained to detect and hunt different types of wild animals. Another very effective alternative is taste aversion. In this process, officials insert Lithium Chloride into bait and then lure the predator to it. Once it eats it, it will suddenly fall very ill, similar to food poisoning in humans, and lose its taste for that particular bait and start hunting for other kinds. Using guard dogs and other non lethal weapons is not only more effective, but also cheaper than using lethal weapons.
Currently, Congress is considering a ban on the M-44, a cyanide device designed to kill coyotes and other predators that threaten livestock. The wildlife management tool, employed by Wildlife Services, acts on a spring reaction that shoots sodium cyanide into the mouths of predators. The ejection is set off once the predators, who are attracted to the enticing odor, disturb the device by pulling on it. The cyanide power reacts with water in the mouth of the animal, creating hydrogen cyanide gas. Death follows within seconds after the mechanism is set off. Although cyanide M-44 has been proven to be environmentally safe, use of the device is controversial due to the device’s inability to discriminate predators from other wildlife and humans. Even if the device is set off by a light disturbance, enough powder is released to kill a human. Dennis Slaugh, who mistook the M-44 for a survey stake, picked up the device and was automatically shot in the face with the sodium cyanide. Four years later, he is suffering from long-term health effects of the cyanide including difficulty breathing and daily vomiting. However, Slaugh is not the only human to be severely injured from the poisoning. Hundreds of family dogs have been killed by the device too. Without effective devices to control the population of predators that threaten livestock, it is estimated the sheep industry would lose around $16.3 million and about $51 million in the cattle industry. Even though the M-44 is an efficient way for farmers to protect their livestock, alternative methods that do not harm humans or animals need to be researched such as fencing or using guard dogs.
The first two people before me already said what the M44 cyanide device is: a small device that looks almost like a piton used for a tent is mostly buried into the ground and is covered with a smelly substance to attract animals sensitive to smell (especially coyotes). If anything steps on the device, it ejects a cloud of sodium cyanide (NaCN) which, on contact with moisture (although it can be absorbed through the skin), turns poisonous, and the victim dies soon after exposure. These devices are legal, although notices have to be posted where they are used, and they can only be used by certified people. It sounds simple enough. Coyotes and wild dogs and the like are responsible for the loss of millions of dollars in investments in various livestock. And it’s not exactly easy to hunt down coyotes or keep them away from livestock—they’re adaptive like any kind of dog and can burrow, gnaw, or sneak past almost any obstacle. What’s the catch? These devices can’t tell between coyote or any other animal. There have been numerous instances where pet dogs or people have accidentally been the target of these devices, and have either died or spent the rest of their life heavily crippled. So what do you do? There aren’t really any good alternatives to reducing coyote population, or people would be using them already. Local laws could be used to ban them, but then farmers and/or livestock owners would suffer, as well as any potential pet owner. Yes, M44’s are inhuman, but the alternative to using them is allowing coyotes to run free.
M-44 cyanide, also known as Cyanide guns or Cyanide Traps, are used around the country to kill coyotes and other animals believed to be killing livestock and plants. An M-44 is a 6-inch aluminum cylinder that contains a tablet of sodium cyanide. The top is normally covered with either meat or smelly goo that attracts coyotes to it. When the coyote pulls the trigger on it, sodium cyanide is sprayed into its mouth, killing it instantly. M-44s are very successful in killing their targets, which makes them very helpful to the people whose livestock is being killed. However, M-44 cyanide does not only kill the intended predators, coyotes. In 1997 alone, 1,998 animals were accidentally killed by M-44s, including a bear, bobcats, raccoons, and 237 dogs. M-44s are also dangerous to humans. Between 1985 and 1993, M-44 injured 21 people. Even though they do this damage, they are better than their alternative. Before M-44s, “coyote getters” were used. They were empty .38- Special cartridge cases filled with sodium cyanide and gum powder. When an animal bit down on the trigger, the “coyote getter” ejected in its mouth just like a firing gun. The coyote getters were far too dangerous to people, especially young children, so their use was discontinued. A major reason for the danger of M-44s is the fact that the government does not take the deaths of dogs by M-44s seriously and they do not severely reprimand those who place the M-44s in unauthorized locations. For example, the Wrights, a family from Colorado, found their dog killed by an M-44 on their property. They later found that the M-44 was put their illegally by government trapper Gary Hanson. Hanson was barely reprimanded even though his actions could have cost the life of a child. While the M-44s may do less damage than the “coyote getters” they clearly still need many improvements because they continue to kill indiscriminately.
The use of m-44 cyanide guns is a government approved practice used to kill predators of livestock on ranches. The guns are supposed to be helpful in saving animals lives, but in reality they are an inhumane and horrible way to kill a living animal. The device is about 6 inches tall and is placed vertically in the ground. The cap of the cyanide gun contains a sodium cyanide tablet that becomes a deadly when gas when it comes in contact with moisture. This moisture is more specifically from the mouths of curious animals that are baited by the usual meat or wool that is attached to the cap. The cyanide in gas from causes a chemical asphyxiation within two minutes of the inhalation. These devices are aimed to kill coyotes, which eat livestock of ranchers especially in the Midwest. These tools are popular with the ranchers because of their efficiency, but there is much resistance from groups such as the Wildlife Damage Review. Their counts shows that in 1997, a total of 1,998 animals were accidently killed by cyanide guns. There has also been much protest from families with small children and pets who fear for their safety. I think that this is a dangerous, and disgusting way to kill animals that are a vital part of the ecosystem. The ranchers should implement more effective fencing techniques to keep their cattle save or bring in experts on coyotes to find ways to keep the coyotes out of their land. Also, since the ranchers think they can replace pets with money, than the government should replace their cattle with some sort of compensation money. I cannot believe that something so similar to a land mine is allowed to be planted anywhere simply by an approved government agent. M-44 cyanide guns should be outlawed in the United States because they are a danger and are horrible ways to get rid of a problem that has other solutions.
M-44 Cyanide is extremely dangerous. Its original intent was to decrease the coyote population where farmers were constantly losing their animals to the increasing coyote population. It was also popular amongst trappers who needed to kill the animals for their pelts. Cyanide guns appear harmless to anyone who doesn't know their full potential. The guns look like any ordinary pipe and only stick out of the ground about an inch. Because of this, they prove to be extremely dangerous to animals other than their intended prey. This is because of the harmful gas that they produce when saliva meets the gun. When this reaction occurs, an extremely toxic gas is released into the air. A lethal dose of cyanide gas for any human is only between 50 and 60 mg. Any amount of this gas can be absorbed through the skin and eyes, inhaled or swallowed and causes an excruciatingly painful death. Although this is an effective way of decreasing the population of the coyotes, it also caused many more issues than intended and it’s extremely dangerous. The main problems with cyanide guns are not that they are not well hidden or that they are dangerous. In fact, they are now being placed in public areas or on other people’s properties, which is putting many at risk who are unaware of the dangers of cyanide guns. This practice is unsafe and really should be stopped. Even though it is affective, it doesn’t seem to be worth it.
The M–44 is a wildlife damage management tool used by the Wildlife Services program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to protect livestock, poultry, and threatened and endangered species from predation by foxes, coyotes, and feral dogs. M–44's are used primarily for coyote damage management. They are placed along game trails, livestock trails, ridges, near seldom-used ranch roads, and along fence lines. The M–44 works by ejecting sodium cyanide powder into the mouth of the predator. The ejection is triggered when the animal pulls on the baited M–44 unit. The sodium cyanide powder reacts with the moisture in the animal’s mouth, releasing hydrogen cyanide gas. Death occurs from 10 seconds to 2 minutes after the device is triggered. I believe that tools such as the M-44 are bad for the environment, and they are not safe under any circumstances. The M-44’s have killed many animals besides coyotes or foxes. Animals such as dogs, rabbits, sheep, and other non-target animals have been killed by these horrible devices. In 2005, 1.7 million total animals were killed including 92 dogs, 12,000 coyotes, and one bald eagle. I believe that other states should follow Utah’s example and ban the use of the M-44 device. I think that the Wildlife Services should begin researching about other more safe and controllable ways to control wildlife population. This M-44 is just too dangerous, and we cannot always control what animal will get killed by it. We hope that it’s the target animal, but that’s never promised.
There are many articles regarding the dangers of m-44 cyanide, many have used it in a detrimental way. One story was about a dog finding some m-44 cyanide which was planted in the yard to keep coyotes away; it unfortunately resulted in the death of a beloved family pet. The list of tragic deaths similar to this one goes on and on, it is evident that such a dangerous chemical needs to be put to a better use. Many farmers in Texas used to use m-44 cyanide as a device to keep away predators, farmers see this as a positive thing but it is a lot worse than it seems. The government passed a law to ensure the safety of farmers, by making sure that only government employees could install m-44 cyanide traps along the outside of farms. No matter what the results are negative, predators can become extinct because they will not have much food to survive on, or they will die trying to find some. Killing off predators can lead to inflation in the amount of animals that are usually killed off by predators. It is obvious that this chemical was once seen as a good way to protect farm animals, but the cons seem to outweigh the pros. Even though it can protect livestock, farmers are likely to loose other farm animals as a result of the planted m-44 cyanide. It is easy to see why people thought that m-44 cyanide was efficient initially, but now people who installed m-44 cyanide traps should take them away because it is evident that they are hazardous to the environment.
The development of m-44 cyanide was extroidenarily controversial and has resulted in a grousome practice that personally sickens me and has few but however, significant benefits. It is viewed as barbaric and cruel by many but utilized in several ways that are viewed as somehow helpful to the community. The M44 cyanide device (also called a 'cyanide gun' or a 'cyanide trap') is used for the elimination of livestock predators, such as coyotes. It lures predators with an attractive smell, often from a small piece of bait, then it 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. When it was invented in the 1960’s the one major benefit that was noted was its safety to humans, it was considered reletively safe because of its high level of selectivity. The device that is replaced was known as the “coyote getter” and was made by use of powdered cyanide ejected by a primer. The other and as I can see only real benefit of this invention is the balance it can create in the environment. If there is an overpopulation of a species in an area ie: predators it can help balance out their population so that there is not an overwhelming number of a certain animal in one area that throw off the ecosystem in a community. The use of the M44 device has been criticised by animal welfare and environmental groups, as the devices has had many unintended victims, including pets and endangered species. 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. Overall the use of m-44 cyanide seems more detrimental than helpful.
The M44 cyanide device is used in many areas for the elimination of livestock predators. It lures in predators with an attractive smell or a small piece of bait such as wool or meat attached to its top. It then uses a spring to propel a dosage of sodium cyanide into the predator's mouth. When the sodium cyanide combines with moisture from the animal’s saliva, it produces deadly cyanide gas which kills the animal almost immediately. What most people don’t know is that this device was actually an improvment on an older, less advanced device. 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 because it is more selective when it triggers. Although it is relatively save for humans, the device has not lost its danger for the unsuspecting animals it is not trying to catch. Creatures like pet dogs and cats as well as the endangered wildlife species that the government tries so hard to protect are being killed by this device. Instead of trying to kill these animals, I believe the problem could be solved in other ways. Physically excluding an offending animal from the area being damaged or disturbed is the best and most permanent way to control the problem. If better fencing could be set up around farms and other areas where livestock are kept, this would drastically reduce the need for M-44 cyanide devices. Another way to keep coyotes and other predators away would be to frighten the animals with noises or use repellents that are not so dangerous. One must remember that even though these predators seem like a nuisance, they are a necessary member of the ecosystem. Killing them, as well as the others that are unfortunate enough to spring a trap, will eventually have adverse effects on our environment.
The M-44 is both a positive and negative tool to use for wildlife control. This tool has been approved by many different agencies after modifications because it was to cruel. To some extent this is still a cruel device to use no a wild animal, no matter how much it is damage your crops. M-44's are used primarily for coyote damage management. They are placed along game trails, livestock trails, ridges, near rarely used ranch roads, and along fence lines. The M-44 is used mostly in the winter and spring but in some locations it is used throughout the year. Some of the people who use these year round do it because in 1994 it was estimated that over 322,000 sheep were killed by coyotes, this totalled in over 15 million dollars worth of damage. Feral dogs and foxes accounted for an additional 74,650 lamb and sheep deaths worth $3,853,433. coyotes, feral dogs, and foxes killed approximately 63,000 goats valued at $2,466,450. For this type of damage, these animals are recieving quite a deal. They recieve a quick and painless death from a release of gases into the bodies main stream. The animals are killed, therefore providing food for the other predators, helping lower the number of farm animals killed and money lost.
M-44 cyanide is wildlife control technique that uses cyanide gas to kill animals that are attracted to the smell of the device. It is used by the ADC to kill coyotes, foxes, and other feral dogs that prey upon livestock. Aside from the fact that it kills the targeted animals, I cannot see any good reason for these to be in use. There are a couple of reasons to eel this way. First the way in which they kill animals is cruel and tricks the animal to killing itself. Second the M-44 Cyanide cannot differentiate between its targeted animals, of Coyotes, Foxes, and feral dogs, because it kills any animal, or human that accidentally sets it off. For example in Oklahoma there was a story of a little girl, her father and their dog. They were walking and exploring their ranch when in a ditch the dog smelt something, what he smelt was m-44 cyanide. The dog set off the cyanide. The father carried the girl and the dog to safety, luckily he and his daughter had only a few minor injures, but their dog sadly, did not make and died. Because of this story and many like it I have concluded that M-44 cyanide is an ineffective way to solve live stock problems and a new more effective way to protect livestock is needed. The cyanide device should not be accepted as a tool to protect livestock, and other routes should be examined. Or else more needless deaths and more sad children will continue to be products of an ineffective, cruel device.
M-44 cyanide is a wildlife control method often used by the government and livestock farmers. It is a somewhat simple device that helps divert wild animals such as coyotes and feral dogs from livestock and human population. The way the device works is that a small piece of bait is attacked to the top of the device and a string is tied to the bait. Then a professional lays a small amount of cyanide powder in the plate below the bait, and is then placed in the ground, when an animal goes to it the bait it releases the cyanide powder into the animal’s mouth where the moisture causes the powder to turn into the deadly asphyxiating cyanide gas. I believe that these devices are cruel and the use of them needs to be put to a stop. Why would you want to kill an animal that you don’t even know would attack humans or livestock, and also if one of these devices is deployed near in an area where a human passes less than 24 hours after the devices release and the gas could still have a lethal effect. I believe that farmers and the government should consider the possibility of such alternatives as electric fences. The only problem with electric fences is that they are very expensive to set up and to run. This has turned many people away from more ecologically and environmentally safe alternative, because money runs our society. Hopefully the effect of these machines will soon be shown to the world, which might limit their use in the United States.
M-44 Cyanide guns also known as m-44 dispensers and cyanide traps are used to kill wolves, coyotes and various other animals trying to attack livestock on many ranches in many western states such as Arizona, Colorado and Montana. These guns act as land mines, when one touches the top, the sodium cyanide releases shooting a tablet into the mouth of the animal it will explode, killing them. These guns are very harmful and often kill many dogs and children. Dogs are also killed because they are mistaken for wolves. Certified users use them in the west for their ranches. It takes about 8 months to obtain certification to use them. This shows how dangerous they are. They are favored by many because they are easy to use to kill the wolves. They guns are stuck into the ground and seem very harmless, looking like a simple steak or like the nozzle of a water sprinkler. M-44’s have been illegally planted on the property of neighbors causing illegitimate deaths, accompanied by tears and pain. They have now patented spring loaded M-44’s which are supposedly a safer alternative.
M-44’s are also known as 'cyanide guns' or 'cyanide traps'. M-44’s are used to keep predators away from livestock. It lures predators with an attractive smell, often from a small piece of bait, and 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. This is dangerous to other animals or children that may come along and touch or play with them. This isn’t an enviromentslly friendly way to praotect lifestock. Other types of protection for live stocks are to uses guard dogs or tall electric fences to keep predators away. Cyanide guns could be considered beneficial because they are away to protect livestock, but it isn’t the best way or the safest way. By used M-44’s we are putting ourselves, endangered animals, and other animals we care about at risk of serious harm or death. There has been cases were domesticated dogs have come across these traps and died. M-44’s should not be used to protect livestock, if they end up killing domesticated animals as well. They also shouldn’t be used of wild animals because it is necessary for wild animals to eat to survive, and they don’t kill lifestock to be cruel or to be a pain, they just view it as a way to survive. Using M-44’s is a way of trying to prevent wild animals from following their natural instincts. Farmers or trappers should use safer and less cruel ways to protect life stock from different pretators.
M-44 cyanide is a controversial mechanism that is used by farmers to keep animals, mainly coyotes, away from livestock. This mechanism works by ejecting sodium cyanide powder into the mouth of the animal when the animal pulls in the baited M-44. The sodium cyanide powder reacts with the moisture in the animal's mouth, releasing deadly hydrogen cyanide gas. Death occurs from 10 seconds to 2 minutes after the device is triggered. While the device does have many benefits, it is an inhumane act that is responsible for the death of innocent animals. The positive aspects of the device is that it prevents coyotes, foxes and dogs from causing significant damage to livestock and poultry producers, especially goats and sheep. According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, coyotes and foxes are responsible for the deaths of over 160,000 sheep and goats, and M-44 cyanide will greatly reduce this number. However, this act of killing animals is very cruel. Since the cyanide cartridges are small and are placed along fence lines and livestock trails, the animals do not realize where they are located and cannot avoid them. Until an alternative solution is discovered, M-44 cyanide is the only mechanism that protects livestock efficiently. While it is more logical to preserve the cattle since they provide food for the American people and enable farmers to profit, it is also inhumane to kill another animal, especially when foxes rely on sheep as a food source to survive. M-44 cyanide is a method that is utilized for the benefit of farmers, but the continuous use of this mechanism may result in the degradation of many fox and wolf species, which is a possibility that needs to be considered by those who support and oppose the mechanism.
The M-44 is a weapon intended to kill any wild animals that would bring harm to land, crops, etc. They are baited for appeal to lure in unsuspecting predators and once an animal falls in the trap they are subject to less than a gram of a poison commonly known as cyanide instantly killing them. Originally developed in 1944 this is what coined the name "M-44" however glitches that resulted in human injury seem to be the main draw back. Due to the fact that they are placed in the ground this leaves them as a potential threat to both humans who can't see them as well as animals. However they seem to be very useful in killing harmful predators and protecting our crops without harming the environment.
19 comments:
The M-44, prior to the ban on cartridge-like dispersal systems was dubbed the “coyote-getter,” and now simply called by its name. This weapon is used primarily by farmers and trappers trying to kill coyotes and other predators that make a nuisance on their land. The M-44 is a small pipe-like object with a cap that contains about 0.97 grams of sodium cyanide. The M-44s are usually driven into the ground and fixed with a piece of meat or enticing object hitched to the top so that when one of these predators attempts to eat the alluring object, it is instantly puffed with 0.97 grams of cyanide powder which then turns to a gas and instantly kills the animal. Also, the sodium cyanide is not harmful to the environment as it gets broken down by the microorganisms in the soil. In 1999, the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) surveyed producers and found that coyotes killed an estimated 165,800 sheep and lambs nationwide worth a total of $9.6 million. These tools are very effective at killing the primary predatory targets which is quite good for the people whose livestock and game are being eliminated. The problem with these M-44s is that they have killed many unintended targets. Sometimes even humans are harmed by the M-44’s poisonous fumes. In many cases, pets have been killed by these devices, most noticeably out west. However, the amount of risk has greatly subsided since the 0.38 caliber-like dispersal systems were outlawed. These forms of the device were extremely unstable and dangerous and therefore outlawed in the 1960s. The M-44s, if used carefully and precautions are taken to ensure that there is little risk to unintended targets, can be very useful devices for trappers and farmers.
M-44 cyanide is a dangerous devise that is known as Cyanide Guns or Cyanide Traps. The device is small. It is 6-inches long and put vertically into the ground. The cap of the device is filled with cyanide powder that is deadly to anyone who is near it when it is released. If the powder is in contact with any moisture it turns into a deadly gas. The powder is released when you pull on the cap or the piece of bait that is attached to the cap then it will trigger the spring to discharge the powder. The m-44 cyanide is commonly used to target coyotes. The device is used so the deadly powder goes straight into the coyote’s mouth. They are commonly used on public land as well as private ranching property. The ranchers and the government support the use of the m-44 cyanide because it protects their land or farm from other animals that might eat their livestock. Coyotes kill as many as 165,800 sheep and lambs nationwide worth a total of $9.6 million. But other animals such as feral dogs and foxes also kill livestock. Overall coyotes, foxes, and feral dogs kill over $56.2 million worth of livestock each year. For farmers the m-44 cyanide protects their animals from prey. It is also not harmful to the environment because if the powder reaches the soil and the soil has moisture then the powder would disperse quickly. If the soil is dry then the powder would eventually be broken down by micro-organisms. This practice is lawful but inhuman. The animal will die within 10 seconds to 2 minutes when injected with the powder. It is also dangerous for humans. A fatal dose is only 50-60 mg and it can be inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through the skin and eyes. Even if someone holds their breath they would not be safe. The m-44 cyanide is an easy way to keep out pest, but it is inhuman to the animals that are affected by it and dangerous to humans.
The M44 trap is most commonly associated with the trapping of predators such as coyotes. The structure of the M44 is quite simple. A small pipe is driven into the ground with a capsule of the sodium cyanide powder attached to a spring device. The M44’s purpose is to lure the predator to the trap using bait. Once there, if the animal pulls on the spring, sodium cyanide is sprayed into the animal’s mouth and face. When this sodium cyanide comes in contact with moisture, it creates a deadly mixture of cyanide gas. This method of killing predators is considered too harsh by many animal welfare and environmental groups. It not only poses a threat to other wildlife animals, but also to humans and pets. There have been reported cases in which pets and humans were poisoned by this method of killing. Many wildlife protection agencies claim that this is a safer method than previously used ones but there are alternatives for it. Some of these include guard dogs and taste aversions. Guard dogs, such as herder dogs and collies, can be trained to detect and hunt different types of wild animals. Another very effective alternative is taste aversion. In this process, officials insert Lithium Chloride into bait and then lure the predator to it. Once it eats it, it will suddenly fall very ill, similar to food poisoning in humans, and lose its taste for that particular bait and start hunting for other kinds. Using guard dogs and other non lethal weapons is not only more effective, but also cheaper than using lethal weapons.
Currently, Congress is considering a ban on the M-44, a cyanide device designed to kill coyotes and other predators that threaten livestock. The wildlife management tool, employed by Wildlife Services, acts on a spring reaction that shoots sodium cyanide into the mouths of predators. The ejection is set off once the predators, who are attracted to the enticing odor, disturb the device by pulling on it. The cyanide power reacts with water in the mouth of the animal, creating hydrogen cyanide gas. Death follows within seconds after the mechanism is set off. Although cyanide M-44 has been proven to be environmentally safe, use of the device is controversial due to the device’s inability to discriminate predators from other wildlife and humans. Even if the device is set off by a light disturbance, enough powder is released to kill a human. Dennis Slaugh, who mistook the M-44 for a survey stake, picked up the device and was automatically shot in the face with the sodium cyanide. Four years later, he is suffering from long-term health effects of the cyanide including difficulty breathing and daily vomiting. However, Slaugh is not the only human to be severely injured from the poisoning. Hundreds of family dogs have been killed by the device too. Without effective devices to control the population of predators that threaten livestock, it is estimated the sheep industry would lose around $16.3 million and about $51 million in the cattle industry. Even though the M-44 is an efficient way for farmers to protect their livestock, alternative methods that do not harm humans or animals need to be researched such as fencing or using guard dogs.
The first two people before me already said what the M44 cyanide device is: a small device that looks almost like a piton used for a tent is mostly buried into the ground and is covered with a smelly substance to attract animals sensitive to smell (especially coyotes). If anything steps on the device, it ejects a cloud of sodium cyanide (NaCN) which, on contact with moisture (although it can be absorbed through the skin), turns poisonous, and the victim dies soon after exposure. These devices are legal, although notices have to be posted where they are used, and they can only be used by certified people.
It sounds simple enough. Coyotes and wild dogs and the like are responsible for the loss of millions of dollars in investments in various livestock. And it’s not exactly easy to hunt down coyotes or keep them away from livestock—they’re adaptive like any kind of dog and can burrow, gnaw, or sneak past almost any obstacle.
What’s the catch? These devices can’t tell between coyote or any other animal. There have been numerous instances where pet dogs or people have accidentally been the target of these devices, and have either died or spent the rest of their life heavily crippled.
So what do you do? There aren’t really any good alternatives to reducing coyote population, or people would be using them already. Local laws could be used to ban them, but then farmers and/or livestock owners would suffer, as well as any potential pet owner. Yes, M44’s are inhuman, but the alternative to using them is allowing coyotes to run free.
M-44 cyanide, also known as Cyanide guns or Cyanide Traps, are used around the country to kill coyotes and other animals believed to be killing livestock and plants. An M-44 is a 6-inch aluminum cylinder that contains a tablet of sodium cyanide. The top is normally covered with either meat or smelly goo that attracts coyotes to it. When the coyote pulls the trigger on it, sodium cyanide is sprayed into its mouth, killing it instantly. M-44s are very successful in killing their targets, which makes them very helpful to the people whose livestock is being killed. However, M-44 cyanide does not only kill the intended predators, coyotes. In 1997 alone, 1,998 animals were accidentally killed by M-44s, including a bear, bobcats, raccoons, and 237 dogs. M-44s are also dangerous to humans. Between 1985 and 1993, M-44 injured 21 people. Even though they do this damage, they are better than their alternative. Before M-44s, “coyote getters” were used. They were empty .38- Special cartridge cases filled with sodium cyanide and gum powder. When an animal bit down on the trigger, the “coyote getter” ejected in its mouth just like a firing gun. The coyote getters were far too dangerous to people, especially young children, so their use was discontinued. A major reason for the danger of M-44s is the fact that the government does not take the deaths of dogs by M-44s seriously and they do not severely reprimand those who place the M-44s in unauthorized locations. For example, the Wrights, a family from Colorado, found their dog killed by an M-44 on their property. They later found that the M-44 was put their illegally by government trapper Gary Hanson. Hanson was barely reprimanded even though his actions could have cost the life of a child. While the M-44s may do less damage than the “coyote getters” they clearly still need many improvements because they continue to kill indiscriminately.
The use of m-44 cyanide guns is a government approved practice used to kill predators of livestock on ranches. The guns are supposed to be helpful in saving animals lives, but in reality they are an inhumane and horrible way to kill a living animal. The device is about 6 inches tall and is placed vertically in the ground. The cap of the cyanide gun contains a sodium cyanide tablet that becomes a deadly when gas when it comes in contact with moisture. This moisture is more specifically from the mouths of curious animals that are baited by the usual meat or wool that is attached to the cap. The cyanide in gas from causes a chemical asphyxiation within two minutes of the inhalation. These devices are aimed to kill coyotes, which eat livestock of ranchers especially in the Midwest. These tools are popular with the ranchers because of their efficiency, but there is much resistance from groups such as the Wildlife Damage Review. Their counts shows that in 1997, a total of 1,998 animals were accidently killed by cyanide guns. There has also been much protest from families with small children and pets who fear for their safety. I think that this is a dangerous, and disgusting way to kill animals that are a vital part of the ecosystem. The ranchers should implement more effective fencing techniques to keep their cattle save or bring in experts on coyotes to find ways to keep the coyotes out of their land. Also, since the ranchers think they can replace pets with money, than the government should replace their cattle with some sort of compensation money. I cannot believe that something so similar to a land mine is allowed to be planted anywhere simply by an approved government agent. M-44 cyanide guns should be outlawed in the United States because they are a danger and are horrible ways to get rid of a problem that has other solutions.
M-44 Cyanide is extremely dangerous. Its original intent was to decrease the coyote population where farmers were constantly losing their animals to the increasing coyote population. It was also popular amongst trappers who needed to kill the animals for their pelts. Cyanide guns appear harmless to anyone who doesn't know their full potential. The guns look like any ordinary pipe and only stick out of the ground about an inch. Because of this, they prove to be extremely dangerous to animals other than their intended prey. This is because of the harmful gas that they produce when saliva meets the gun. When this reaction occurs, an extremely toxic gas is released into the air. A lethal dose of cyanide gas for any human is only between 50 and 60 mg. Any amount of this gas can be absorbed through the skin and eyes, inhaled or swallowed and causes an excruciatingly painful death. Although this is an effective way of decreasing the population of the coyotes, it also caused many more issues than intended and it’s extremely dangerous. The main problems with cyanide guns are not that they are not well hidden or that they are dangerous. In fact, they are now being placed in public areas or on other people’s properties, which is putting many at risk who are unaware of the dangers of cyanide guns. This practice is unsafe and really should be stopped. Even though it is affective, it doesn’t seem to be worth it.
The M–44 is a wildlife damage management tool used by the Wildlife Services program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to protect livestock, poultry, and threatened and endangered species from predation by foxes, coyotes, and feral dogs. M–44's are used primarily for coyote damage management. They are placed along game trails, livestock trails, ridges, near seldom-used ranch roads, and along fence lines. The M–44 works by ejecting sodium cyanide powder into the mouth of the predator. The ejection is triggered when the animal pulls on the baited M–44 unit. The sodium cyanide powder reacts with the moisture in the animal’s mouth, releasing hydrogen cyanide gas. Death occurs from 10 seconds to 2 minutes after the device is triggered. I believe that tools such as the M-44 are bad for the environment, and they are not safe under any circumstances. The M-44’s have killed many animals besides coyotes or foxes. Animals such as dogs, rabbits, sheep, and other non-target animals have been killed by these horrible devices. In 2005, 1.7 million total animals were killed including 92 dogs, 12,000 coyotes, and one bald eagle. I believe that other states should follow Utah’s example and ban the use of the M-44 device. I think that the Wildlife Services should begin researching about other more safe and controllable ways to control wildlife population. This M-44 is just too dangerous, and we cannot always control what animal will get killed by it. We hope that it’s the target animal, but that’s never promised.
There are many articles regarding the dangers of m-44 cyanide, many have used it in a detrimental way. One story was about a dog finding some m-44 cyanide which was planted in the yard to keep coyotes away; it unfortunately resulted in the death of a beloved family pet. The list of tragic deaths similar to this one goes on and on, it is evident that such a dangerous chemical needs to be put to a better use. Many farmers in Texas used to use m-44 cyanide as a device to keep away predators, farmers see this as a positive thing but it is a lot worse than it seems. The government passed a law to ensure the safety of farmers, by making sure that only government employees could install m-44 cyanide traps along the outside of farms. No matter what the results are negative, predators can become extinct because they will not have much food to survive on, or they will die trying to find some. Killing off predators can lead to inflation in the amount of animals that are usually killed off by predators. It is obvious that this chemical was once seen as a good way to protect farm animals, but the cons seem to outweigh the pros. Even though it can protect livestock, farmers are likely to loose other farm animals as a result of the planted m-44 cyanide. It is easy to see why people thought that m-44 cyanide was efficient initially, but now people who installed m-44 cyanide traps should take them away because it is evident that they are hazardous to the environment.
The development of m-44 cyanide was extroidenarily controversial and has resulted in a grousome practice that personally sickens me and has few but however, significant benefits. It is viewed as barbaric and cruel by many but utilized in several ways that are viewed as somehow helpful to the community. The M44 cyanide device (also called a 'cyanide gun' or a 'cyanide trap') is used for the elimination of livestock predators, such as coyotes. It lures predators with an attractive smell, often from a small piece of bait, then it 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. When it was invented in the 1960’s the one major benefit that was noted was its safety to humans, it was considered reletively safe because of its high level of selectivity. The device that is replaced was known as the “coyote getter” and was made by use of powdered cyanide ejected by a primer. The other and as I can see only real benefit of this invention is the balance it can create in the environment. If there is an overpopulation of a species in an area ie: predators it can help balance out their population so that there is not an overwhelming number of a certain animal in one area that throw off the ecosystem in a community. The use of the M44 device has been criticised by animal welfare and environmental groups, as the devices has had many unintended victims, including pets and endangered species. 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. Overall the use of m-44 cyanide seems more detrimental than helpful.
The M44 cyanide device is used in many areas for the elimination of livestock predators. It lures in predators with an attractive smell or a small piece of bait such as wool or meat attached to its top. It then uses a spring to propel a dosage of sodium cyanide into the predator's mouth. When the sodium cyanide combines with moisture from the animal’s saliva, it produces deadly cyanide gas which kills the animal almost immediately. What most people don’t know is that this device was actually an improvment on an older, less advanced device. 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 because it is more selective when it triggers. Although it is relatively save for humans, the device has not lost its danger for the unsuspecting animals it is not trying to catch. Creatures like pet dogs and cats as well as the endangered wildlife species that the government tries so hard to protect are being killed by this device. Instead of trying to kill these animals, I believe the problem could be solved in other ways. Physically excluding an offending animal from the area being damaged or disturbed is the best and most permanent way to control the problem. If better fencing could be set up around farms and other areas where livestock are kept, this would drastically reduce the need for M-44 cyanide devices. Another way to keep coyotes and other predators away would be to frighten the animals with noises or use repellents that are not so dangerous. One must remember that even though these predators seem like a nuisance, they are a necessary member of the ecosystem. Killing them, as well as the others that are unfortunate enough to spring a trap, will eventually have adverse effects on our environment.
The M-44 is both a positive and negative tool to use for wildlife control. This tool has been approved by many different agencies after modifications because it was to cruel. To some extent this is still a cruel device to use no a wild animal, no matter how much it is damage your crops.
M-44's are used primarily for coyote damage management. They are placed along game trails, livestock trails, ridges, near rarely used ranch roads, and along fence lines. The M-44 is used mostly in the winter and spring but in some locations it is used throughout the year. Some of the people who use these year round do it because in 1994 it was estimated that over 322,000 sheep were killed by coyotes, this totalled in over 15 million dollars worth of damage. Feral dogs and foxes accounted for an additional 74,650 lamb and sheep deaths worth $3,853,433. coyotes, feral dogs, and foxes killed approximately 63,000 goats valued at $2,466,450. For this type of damage, these animals are recieving quite a deal. They recieve a quick and painless death from a release of gases into the bodies main stream. The animals are killed, therefore providing food for the other predators, helping lower the number of farm animals killed and money lost.
M-44 cyanide is wildlife control technique that uses cyanide gas to kill animals that are attracted to the smell of the device. It is used by the ADC to kill coyotes, foxes, and other feral dogs that prey upon livestock. Aside from the fact that it kills the targeted animals, I cannot see any good reason for these to be in use. There are a couple of reasons to eel this way. First the way in which they kill animals is cruel and tricks the animal to killing itself. Second the M-44 Cyanide cannot differentiate between its targeted animals, of Coyotes, Foxes, and feral dogs, because it kills any animal, or human that accidentally sets it off. For example in Oklahoma there was a story of a little girl, her father and their dog. They were walking and exploring their ranch when in a ditch the dog smelt something, what he smelt was m-44 cyanide. The dog set off the cyanide. The father carried the girl and the dog to safety, luckily he and his daughter had only a few minor injures, but their dog sadly, did not make and died. Because of this story and many like it I have concluded that M-44 cyanide is an ineffective way to solve live stock problems and a new more effective way to protect livestock is needed. The cyanide device should not be accepted as a tool to protect livestock, and other routes should be examined. Or else more needless deaths and more sad children will continue to be products of an ineffective, cruel device.
M-44 cyanide is a wildlife control method often used by the government and livestock farmers. It is a somewhat simple device that helps divert wild animals such as coyotes and feral dogs from livestock and human population. The way the device works is that a small piece of bait is attacked to the top of the device and a string is tied to the bait. Then a professional lays a small amount of cyanide powder in the plate below the bait, and is then placed in the ground, when an animal goes to it the bait it releases the cyanide powder into the animal’s mouth where the moisture causes the powder to turn into the deadly asphyxiating cyanide gas. I believe that these devices are cruel and the use of them needs to be put to a stop. Why would you want to kill an animal that you don’t even know would attack humans or livestock, and also if one of these devices is deployed near in an area where a human passes less than 24 hours after the devices release and the gas could still have a lethal effect. I believe that farmers and the government should consider the possibility of such alternatives as electric fences. The only problem with electric fences is that they are very expensive to set up and to run. This has turned many people away from more ecologically and environmentally safe alternative, because money runs our society. Hopefully the effect of these machines will soon be shown to the world, which might limit their use in the United States.
M-44 Cyanide guns also known as m-44 dispensers and cyanide traps are used to kill wolves, coyotes and various other animals trying to attack livestock on many ranches in many western states such as Arizona, Colorado and Montana. These guns act as land mines, when one touches the top, the sodium cyanide releases shooting a tablet into the mouth of the animal it will explode, killing them. These guns are very harmful and often kill many dogs and children. Dogs are also killed because they are mistaken for wolves. Certified users use them in the west for their ranches. It takes about 8 months to obtain certification to use them. This shows how dangerous they are. They are favored by many because they are easy to use to kill the wolves. They guns are stuck into the ground and seem very harmless, looking like a simple steak or like the nozzle of a water sprinkler. M-44’s have been illegally planted on the property of neighbors causing illegitimate deaths, accompanied by tears and pain. They have now patented spring loaded M-44’s which are supposedly a safer alternative.
M-44’s are also known as 'cyanide guns' or 'cyanide traps'. M-44’s are used to keep predators away from livestock. It lures predators with an attractive smell, often from a small piece of bait, and 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. This is dangerous to other animals or children that may come along and touch or play with them. This isn’t an enviromentslly friendly way to praotect lifestock. Other types of protection for live stocks are to uses guard dogs or tall electric fences to keep predators away. Cyanide guns could be considered beneficial because they are away to protect livestock, but it isn’t the best way or the safest way. By used M-44’s we are putting ourselves, endangered animals, and other animals we care about at risk of serious harm or death. There has been cases were domesticated dogs have come across these traps and died. M-44’s should not be used to protect livestock, if they end up killing domesticated animals as well. They also shouldn’t be used of wild animals because it is necessary for wild animals to eat to survive, and they don’t kill lifestock to be cruel or to be a pain, they just view it as a way to survive. Using M-44’s is a way of trying to prevent wild animals from following their natural instincts. Farmers or trappers should use safer and less cruel ways to protect life stock from different pretators.
M-44 cyanide is a controversial mechanism that is used by farmers to keep animals, mainly coyotes, away from livestock. This mechanism works by ejecting sodium cyanide powder into the mouth of the animal when the animal pulls in the baited M-44. The sodium cyanide powder reacts with the moisture in the animal's mouth, releasing deadly hydrogen cyanide gas. Death occurs from 10 seconds to 2 minutes after the device is triggered. While the device does have many benefits, it is an inhumane act that is responsible for the death of innocent animals. The positive aspects of the device is that it prevents coyotes, foxes and dogs from causing significant damage to livestock and poultry producers, especially goats and sheep. According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, coyotes and foxes are responsible for the deaths of over 160,000 sheep and goats, and M-44 cyanide will greatly reduce this number. However, this act of killing animals is very cruel. Since the cyanide cartridges are small and are placed along fence lines and livestock trails, the animals do not realize where they are located and cannot avoid them. Until an alternative solution is discovered, M-44 cyanide is the only mechanism that protects livestock efficiently. While it is more logical to preserve the cattle since they provide food for the American people and enable farmers to profit, it is also inhumane to kill another animal, especially when foxes rely on sheep as a food source to survive. M-44 cyanide is a method that is utilized for the benefit of farmers, but the continuous use of this mechanism may result in the degradation of many fox and wolf species, which is a possibility that needs to be considered by those who support and oppose the mechanism.
The M-44 is a weapon intended to kill any wild animals that would bring harm to land, crops, etc. They are baited for appeal to lure in unsuspecting predators and once an animal falls in the trap they are subject to less than a gram of a poison commonly known as cyanide instantly killing them. Originally developed in 1944 this is what coined the name "M-44" however glitches that resulted in human injury seem to be the main draw back. Due to the fact that they are placed in the ground this leaves them as a potential threat to both humans who can't see them as well as animals. However they seem to be very useful in killing harmful predators and protecting our crops without harming the environment.
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