Cyanide bombs are back. The M-44 is a small, spring-loaded device full of sodium cyanide. Trappers smear bait on the bombs and when a coyote or a fox touches them, they explode, releasing a spray of deadly particles. They’re designed to kill predators that prey on cattle.
Nine years ago, 14-year-old Canyon Mansfield was playing behind his house in Pocatello with his dog Kasey when he came across an M-44, which exploded in his face, covering them both with the deadly poison. Kasey died, and Canyon was left with weeks of nausea, vomiting and headaches.
Three years ago, after years of public outcry, the U.S. Department of the Interior banned their use. But in April, the federal government quietly brought them back on a limited basis.
Canyon’s family has been telling his story for years, and they’re back, along with groups like Predator Defense, campaigning to get the cyanide bombs banned again. There’s even legislation, called Canyon’s Law, that supporters are trying to get through Congress.
Canyon’s dad, Dr. Mark Mansfield and his sister Madison Mansfield, joined Idaho Matters, along with Brooks Fahy, the executive director of Predator Defense to talk more.
