Terry Foster, Wildlife Poisoning, Georgia 2020

Cherokee County, GA – A Georgia man was sentenced this February for the illegal poisoning of wildlife, a case that highlights the dangers of improper pesticide use and its devastating impact on non-target species. Terry Foster, 62, knowingly laced deer carcasses with a highly toxic fly bait, resulting in the deaths of an opossum and two red-tailed hawks, according to a report released by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The investigation began in December 2018, when the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GA-DNR) received a report of possible animal poisoning on a property in Cherokee County. Responding officers discovered a gruesome scene: two deer carcasses, visibly cut open and containing a blue granular substance. Several other animals, including the opossum and hawks, were found dead or dying nearby. Recognizing the severity of the situation, GA-DNR immediately requested assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for forensic analysis.

Evidence quickly pointed to Foster, who was known to hunt on the property. A subsequent search of his truck revealed crucial evidence linking him to the crime. Authorities recovered hunting knives, a bucket containing the blue poison, blood smears, and deer hair. During questioning, Foster admitted to intentionally poisoning the deer carcasses with the substance, identified as methomyl, commonly sold under the trade name “Golden Malrin,” with the explicit goal of killing coyotes.

Toxicology and DNA analysis conducted by the USFWS confirmed the grim details. The blue substance found in the deer, one of the hawks, and Foster’s truck was definitively identified as methomyl. DNA matching established a direct link between the deer hair found in Foster’s vehicle and the deer carcasses discovered on the property. Blood found on the knives also matched the deceased deer. This evidence proved Foster’s direct involvement in the deliberate poisoning.

Illegal Pesticide Use & Federal Violations

Golden Malrin Fly Killer is an EPA-approved pesticide, but its use is strictly regulated. The product label clearly states it is “for use around the outside of food processing areas” and, critically, *explicitly prohibits* its use to target animals like raccoons, skunks, opossums, coyotes, wolves, dogs, or cats. Foster’s actions directly violated federal law. He was found guilty of violating 7 U.S.C. 136j(a)(2)(G) and 7 U.S.C. 136l(b)(2) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). These statutes govern the proper use and application of pesticides and prohibit their use in a manner inconsistent with their labeling.

Sentencing and Aftermath

On February 20, 2020, Foster was sentenced to pay a $1,000 fine for his illegal actions. While the penalty may seem relatively light, the EPA emphasizes that such cases serve as a crucial deterrent to others who might consider using pesticides in a similar unlawful and dangerous manner. The case underscores the importance of responsible pesticide application and the potential for devastating consequences when regulations are ignored.

Key Facts

• Defendant: Terry Foster
• Location: Cherokee County, Georgia
• Crime: Illegal wildlife poisoning using a restricted pesticide (methomyl/Golden Malrin)
• Victims: One opossum, two red-tailed hawks, and two deer (laced with poison)
• Laws Violated: 7 U.S.C. 136j(a)(2)(G), 7 U.S.C. 136l(b)(2) – Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)
• Penalty: $1,000 fine
• Motivation: Intentional coyote control through illegal poisoning

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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