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Show Poisons kill birds SALT LAKE CITY Dangerous chemicals used illegally to control winter roosting starlings also have killed hawks, falcons and songbirds, authorities au-thorities warn. The poisons are being used illegally il-legally in some areas of Utah to control large numbers of starlings. If handled improperly, these chemicals also pose a potential health risk to humans, says the Salt Lake City office of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. Migratory birds such as hawks, eagles and songbirds are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the Eagle Act and the Endangered Species Act. Wildlife authorities warn that persons causing harm to any of these birds will be prosecuted pros-ecuted under these acts and under laws governing the legal application of chemicals, wildlife authorities said. Officials explained that there are legal means to control large concentrations concen-trations of starlings and recommended recom-mended that questions be directed to local County Extension Offices or the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal Damage Control Con-trol office. The public is encouraged to be aware of the poisoning activities in their neighborhoods and report any large numbers of dead or sick birds to the nearest office of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or Utah Division Divi-sion of Wildlife Resources. Officials Offi-cials recommend that the public not pick up or in any way handle these birds because of the danger associated associ-ated with these chemicals. The winter season causes concern con-cern to ranchers and farmers because starlings are present in large numbers and can be an economic and health concern to feedlot operations. |