Idaho to Poison Ravens to Save Sage Grouse

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (AP) — State wildlife officials plan to spend up to $100,000 over the next two years poisoning ravens in three Idaho areas in an attempt to boost sage grouse populations.

The Times-News reports that Idaho Fish and Game hopes to kill as many as 4,000 ravens by placing poisoned chicken eggs in strategic locations.

Poisoning is scheduled to start later this spring.

Biologist Ann Moser says an attempt to kill ravens by shooting them didn't work well because ravens are smart and not easy to get a shot at.

The agency is targeting ravens in eastern Idaho near the Idaho National Laboratory as well as the Curlew National Grasslands.

The third targeted area is in Washington County near the Oregon border.