BLM Celebrates Ban on Cyanide Bombs, Protecting Wildlife on US Public Lands

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has banned the use of "cyanide bombs" on its lands. These M-44 devices, used to control predators and protect livestock, release deadly poison when triggered. Environmental groups have praised the decision, citing the indiscriminate nature of the devices and the risk they pose to people and animals. Last year, M-44s killed over 5,000 animals, including unintentional deaths. While the ban applies to BLM-administered lands, the devices are still allowed on U.S. Forest Service lands and in some states. Wildlife agents are urged to refrain from deploying them on any public lands, and alternative predator control methods are available to livestock producers.