A resident raised concerns on June 16 about the animal-welfare and wildlife risks posed by rodenticide bait boxes placed by pest-control companies. The speaker described second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides as causing secondary poisoning in raptors, foxes and household pets because predators consuming poisoned rodents can themselves die from internal bleeding.

Main points: The resident urged the town to determine whether municipal buildings or contracted pest-control services currently use bait boxes containing second-generation anticoagulant compounds, to publicize safer alternatives, and to consider whether any local regulation or guidance should be adopted.

Town response and next steps: Town Manager Paul Harrington said he would check whether the town uses such bait boxes in municipal buildings and would ask contractors about alternatives. Harrington proposed public outreach — posting images of hazardous boxes and recommended alternatives on town social media and the town website — and said staff would share examples and information with the board.

Why it matters: Speakers highlighted local bald-eagle and hawk populations and reported cases at regional wildlife rehabs of raptors suffering secondary poisoning. Concerns also included risks to pets and to the town’s reputation for environmental stewardship.

Follow-up requested: The board asked staff to report back with (1) whether the town uses bait boxes or contracts for their use, (2) what chemicals are in current use (if any), and (3) sample images and public-education materials explaining safer alternatives for private property owners and pest-control firms.