CYANIDE BOMBS

Protecting Wildlife and Communities

For decades, wildlife in the United States has been harmed under the justification of control and management. Animals such as coyotes, wolves, foxes, and bears are often targeted, but many others, including family pets and endangered species, are unintentionally killed in the process. These practices reflect a broader system that prioritizes convenience and industry over ecological balance and respect for life.

One of the most dangerous tools used is the M-44, commonly known as a cyanide bomb. These devices are baited with scent and triggered when pulled, releasing a deadly dose of poison directly into the face of any animal or person that comes into contact with them. The result is often a prolonged and painful death, causing immense suffering while posing risks to entire ecosystems.

These tools are indiscriminate, inhumane, and unnecessary. At Earth Daughters, we oppose the use of cyanide bombs because they contradict values long upheld by Indigenous communities, values rooted in respect, reciprocity, and responsibility toward the land and all living beings. Indigenous knowledge teaches us that humans are not separate from nature, but part of a living system that requires care, balance, and accountability.
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The continued use of cyanide bombs represents a failure to honor these relationships. It prioritizes extraction and control over coexistence and protection. We believe there are more ethical, sustainable ways to engage with wildlife, approaches that do not cause widespread harm or disrupt the interconnected web of life.

​Evidence of Harm

Wildlife, Ecosystems, and Communities at Risk 

Annual Totals

M-44s kill an estimated 4,500 to 7,000+ animals annually. In 2024 alone, these devices killed at least 4,664 animals.

Non-Target Victims

Roughly 50% of all animals killed by M-44s are non-target animals. In 2023, out of more than 6,500 total kills by Wildlife Services, over 150 were completely unintentional.

Bycatch Species

Unintentional victims regularly include raccoons, skunks, opossums, bears, and dozens of foxes.

Pets Poisoned

Hundreds of domestic dogs have been poisoned by M-44s. The program reported killing at least 1,182 dogs between 2000 and 2016.

Historical Impact

Between 2014 and 2022, M-44s intentionally killed over 88,000 animals and unintentionally killed over 2,200.

The Pocatello, Idaho Incident (2017)

One of the most widely known cases involved 14-year-old Canyon Mansfield and his yellow Labrador, Casey, after an M-44 device was triggered near their home.

HELP US TAKE ACTION

Below is an email draft you can use to speak out. Please copy, personalize if you’d like, and send it to help demand a ban on cyanide bombs. Send emails to your corresponding office based on your state. You can also call and leave a message. 

​Disclaimer: We do not promote or support sending offensive or harmful messages. If you choose not to use the language provided below, please do not reference Earth Daughters or our partner organizations. We encourage respectful, constructive communication at all times.

Subject: Reinstate the Ban on M-44 Cyanide Devices

Dear [Office/Official Name],

I am writing to urge you to immediately reinstate the ban on M-44s, or “cyanide bombs,” on lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management.

These devices are indiscriminate and dangerous, killing nontarget wildlife, companion animals, and putting human lives at risk. Incidents like the 2017 case in Idaho, where a young boy was injured and his dog killed after triggering an M-44, demonstrate the serious and preventable harm these devices cause. Warning signs alone cannot protect the public, wildlife, or pets.

The continued use of M-44s also contradicts the values and responsibilities long upheld by Indigenous peoples. Indigenous communities have stewarded these lands since time immemorial, guided by principles of respect, reciprocity, and care for all living beings. Cyanide bombs violate these relationships by introducing unnecessary harm, disrupting ecosystems, and disregarding Indigenous ways of knowing and relating to the land.

Humane and effective alternatives exist, and there is no justification for continuing the use of such harmful tools on public lands.

Please act now to reinstate the ban before more harm is done.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

find your state office and email them below

Alaska State Office

222 W 7th Avenue #13
Anchorage, AK 99513
United States

Phone: 907-271-5960

Fax: 907-271-3684

Email: [email protected]

Arizona State Office

One North Central Ave., Suite 800
Phoenix, AZ 85004-4427
United States

Phone: 602-417-9200

Fax: 602-417-9556

Email: [email protected]

BLM Western Headquarters

760 Horizon Dr., Ste. 102
Grand Junction, CO 81506
United States

Phone: 202-208-3801

Fax: 970-256-4997

California State Office

2800 Cottage Way Suite W1623
Sacramento, CA 95825
United States

Phone: 916-978-4400

Fax: 916-978-4416

Email: [email protected]

Colorado State Office

PO Box 151029
Denver Federal Center - Building 40
Lakewood, CO 80225

Phone: 303-239-3600

Email: [email protected]

Eastern States State Office

5275 Leesburg Pike
Falls Church, VA 22041
United States

Phone: 703-558-7754

Fax: 703-558-2258

Email: [email protected]

Idaho State Office

1387 S. Vinnell Way
Boise, ID 83709
United States

Phone: 208-373-4000

Fax: 208-373-3899

Email: [email protected]

Montana/Dakotas State Office

5001 Southgate Drive
Billings, MT 59101
United States

Phone: 406-896-5004

Fax: 406-896-5298

Email: [email protected]

Nevada State Office

1340 Financial Blvd.
Reno, NV 89502
United States

Phone: 775-861-6500

Fax: 775-861-6606

Email: [email protected]

New Mexico State Office

301 Dinosaur Trail
Santa Fe, NM 87508
United States

Phone: 505-954-2000

Fax: 505-954-2010

Email: [email protected]

Oregon/Washington State Office

1220 SW 3rd Avenue
Portland, OR 97204
United States

Phone: 503-808-6001

Fax: 503-808-6422

Email: [email protected]

Utah State Office

440 West 200 South, Ste. 500
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
United States

Phone: 801-539-4001

Fax: 801-539-4237

Email: [email protected]

Law Enforcement Headquarters

1849 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20240
United States

Phone: 202-208-3801

Fax: 970-256-4997

Email: [email protected]

National Operations Center

Denver Federal Center, Bldg. 85
P.O. Box 25047
Denver, CO 80225-0047

Phone: 303-236-8857

Fax: 303-236-6450

National Training Center

9828 North 31st Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85051-2517
United States

Phone: 602-906-5500

Fax: 602-906-5555

Wyoming State Office

5353 Yellowstone Road
Cheyenne, WY 82009
United States

Phone: 307-775-6256

Fax: 307-775-6129

Email: [email protected]