A FREE Swan community forum at the Ellenbrook Youth Hub on Friday, August 30 will share information on the knock-on effect of certain rodent baits on pets and wildlife.

The event is the second in a three-part series run by North Swan Landcare, Youth Action for Wildlife and the City of Swan, aimed at reducing the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) in favour of safer alternatives.

Bullsbrook resident and North Swan Landcare member Lois Pearson said the issue is relevant in the City of Swan as every few months a rat outbreak is reported, and residents will stock up on rodenticides.

The city sends letters to affected suburbs advising residents to act, but Ms Pearson said this often results in people buying SGARs at supermarkets and hardware stores.

“Whenever there’s a rat infestation, people just buy bucket loads of the stuff and throw it out,” she said.

“Dead or dying rodents often head to water including pet bowls and can poison dogs, cats and wildlife that consume them.”

She said the flow-on effects can be seen along the Swan River, particularly in suburbs such as Henley Brook and Caversham, where poisoned rodents are easier prey for barn owls.

“A few months ago, people were reporting dead barn owls up and down the river,” she said.

“When a rat is dying, it moves slowly, and the owl can catch it easily but then it ingests the poison and dies as well.

“RSPCA endorse snap traps as the most humane way to deal with rodents - snap traps would be the most economical option for rodent control.”

The threat extends to other non-target species, from eagles and falcons to reptiles and possums.

Ms Pearson said the City of Swan is also home to the critically endangered Western Swamp Tortoise, which could be at risk if SGARs move through aquatic food chains.

The August 30 forum will focus on the impact of SGARs on aquatic and riverbank species, with guest speakers including scientists and wildlife rehabilitators.

Attendees will also help create new, locally relevant information materials to replace generic national brochures that Ms Pearson said are often unread due to their complexity.

The first session, held in Baskerville earlier this month, examined the science behind SGAR poisoning and community-level strategies to address it.

The final forum in Dayton will showcase other rodent control methods, including non-toxic products and pest control techniques that avoid baits altogether.

“We want people to have the facts before they grab whatever’s on the shelf,” Ms Pearson said.

“That choice can make all the difference to our pets, our wildlife and our waterways.”