Probe underway after seagull dies from rat poison in Ogunquit
Residents, business owners concerned
Ogunquit residents are angry after hearing reports that rat poison is being used along the town’s beach.
“It's a serious problem,” Ogunquit resident Rob Cohen said. “I don't know why it would ever be done. (I’m) very concerned about the safety of little kids.”
The Maine Warden Service, along with the Board of Pesticide Control and other state and federal agencies, are investigating the incident. They are looking for the person who gave the orders to put out the poison.
Interim town manager Mark O'Brien said the town had been responding to complaints about rodents.
"This spring we received complaints from residents and tourists about rodents in the main beach area, and undertook efforts to mitigate the problem," said Interim Town Manager Mark O'Brien in a statement. "At this point there is an ongoing investigation, and we are already cooperating with the agencies involved. health and safety of our residents, visitors, wildlife and environment is of our utmost concern. "
Local business owners said the poison might have been used around the new trash bins, and are concerned about the impact it might have on their businesses.
“We hope that they find out what's going on and they take care of (it),” Ogunquit resident Harriet Yaffe said. “The town needs to do something about it.”
A seagull reportedly died from eating the poison.
“It could be a violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, or it could be a violation of the separate laws that the Board of Pesticide Control enforce,” said Sgt. Tim Spahr with the Maine Warden Service.
The dead seagull is being held for testing, along with any other birds that might show up.
“That bird might be eaten by a migratory bird, and then you have potential poison in the food chain,” Spahr said.