On Saturday, April 4, Newtown Conservation Commission will host an informative program on rodenticides, “Think Outside the Bait Box.”

The commission hopes to bring awareness of the harm caused by rodenticide anticoagulant pesticides used in bait boxes that are placed around homes and buildings. Responsible for secondary poisonings, rodenticides are killing birds, owls, hawks, foxes, and even pets. Children are also at high risk of poisoning from these bait boxes.

Guest speaker Christine Cummings from A Place Called Hope, a rehabilitation facility in Canton, will bring ambassador Koso, an Eastern screech owl who is a miraculous survivor of rodenticide poisoning.

The event will also welcome several supporting speakers: Nicole Rivard, Friends for Animals; Dr James Lombella, president, CT for Animals; and Joshua Levin, CT Votes for Animals, who will address the issues and offer alternative solutions to pest control that will protect wildlife, pets, and children from rodenticide poisonings.

The program will be presented at Newtown Community Center. It will run from 2-4 pm, and while it is free and open to the public, registration would be appreciated. Send e-mail to dawn.fried@newtown-ct.gov.