Poison Possible In Panther Creek Area

Confirmation of the poisoning of a gray wolf in Clear Creek, a tributary of Panther Creek has local wildlife officials concerned about public safety. Collared wolf B-204 was discovered by Idaho Fish and Game biologists during a routine monitoring flight on May 14, 2005. The animal's collar was sending a mortality signal indicating that the animal had not moved within the past four hours. Investigators from Fish and Game and the US Fish and Wildlife Service found the dead wolf within yards of a pack trail in the Clear Creek tributary. Subsequent analysis revealed the cause of death to be from the restricted-use pesticide Temik. Temik is the trade name for the chemical aldicarb, a pesticide often used on potatoes. Because Temik is highly toxic to animals, use of this chemical for any other purpose is strictly prohibited. Animals ingesting this chemical rapidly become sick and will die without prompt veterinary treatment. It is also an extreme hazard to small children. Since it is easily absorbed through the skin, handling the chemical with bare hands can be fatal. Temik-laced meatballs were found in the Waggonhammer drainage during the winter of 2004 and several pets were poisoned. Officials are urging hikers to avoid this area, especially if accompanied by children or pets. In addition, anyone venturing into the Panther Creek area should be on the watch for suspicious chunks of meat or gray granules on the ground. If you find any such items, please report it immediately to Fish and Game at 756-2271, the Citizens Against Poaching Hotline at 1-800-632-5999 or the US Fish and Wildlife Service at 208-523-0855. Rewards are being offered for information leading to the arrest or conviction of the person or persons responsible for the poisoning of B-204 and the distribution of a restricted-use pesticide.