Poisoned Iqaluit ravens prompt wildlife probe

The Iqaluit wildife office is asking residents for help in its investigation into what killed ten ravens found in the city.

Curtis Didham, a wildlife officer with the Nunavut government, said Tuesday thatat least sevenravens have been found dead in Iqaluit since January.

Two that were found dead in February tested positive for Avitrol, a bird poison commonly used in the agricultural industry to control pest birds.

Didham said someone must have brought the Avitrol up North and used it on the ravens.

"Right now, we're under investigation, trying to get some information from the public," he said.

"If anybody knows anybody that might be dispersing the substance — it's usually dispersed in corn — so if anybody sees any corn on the ground or lying around, you can call our office here in Iqaluit."

Didham said his office is not sure how much Avitrol would be needed to kill a raven, but noted that individuals must have a permit to possess the poison.

It is illegal to poison any animal and it's also illegal to kill ravens under the territory's Wildlife Act, Didham said.

Individuals who violate the Wildlife Act can face fines ofup to $500,000, while corporate violators can face fines as high as $1 million.