Canyon’s Law

This legislation aims to prohibit the use of M-44 devices , commonly referred to as "cyanide bombs," on all public land . These devices deploy highly toxic sodium cyanide , classified as a Category One acute toxicant by the Environmental Protection Agency, primarily to kill coyotes, foxes, and wild dogs suspected of preying on livestock. The bill's findings highlight numerous dangers associated with M-44 devices, including accidental exposure leading to severe injury or death in humans, as well as the documented killing of over 50 family dogs and thousands of non-target wildlife species like bald eagles and grizzly bears. It notes that M-44s are only 53 percent effective at targeting intended animals and have caused harm even to endangered species. At least 42 people have accidentally triggered these devices since 1984, with one incident in 2017 exposing an Idaho child to a sublethal dose. To address these concerns, the Act explicitly prohibits the preparation, placement, or deployment of M-44 devices on any federal land managed by agencies such as the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Forest Service. Furthermore, it requires all federal, state, or county agencies to remove any existing M-44 devices from public land within 30 days of the bill's enactment.