The M44 cyanide device (also called 'cyanide gun' or 'cyanide trap') is used for the elimination of livestock predators, such as coyotes blamed for the loss of profits. It attracts predators with an attractive smell, often a small piece of bait, then a small spring is used to boost the dose of sodium cyanide in the mouth of the predator. Sodium cyanide combines with water in the mouth to produce poisonous cyanide gas.
The M44 was invented in 1960 to replace a known different device as a coyote-buyer, which made the use of cyanide powder expelled by a base. The M44 reduces the risk to humans from the previous device.They are considered relatively safe due to the high level of selectivity they are supposed to pay.
The use of the M44 device has been criticized by environmental and animal welfare groups, as the devices have many unintended victims, including pets and endangered species, strongly indicative of a lack of selectivity, rather than the supposedly high level. In 2003, Mr. Dennis Slaugh of Vernal, Utah, was on public lands and confused an M-44 by a survey marker. When he pulled it out, the device fired sodium cyanide powder on his face and chest causing him to become violently ill.In February 2006, an M44 device killed a man's dog in Utah, then the dog and the owner were walking through public land. The man was also affected by the cyanide in the device, and is seeking compensation from the United States Department of Agriculture, also with the Department of Agriculture and Food of Utah.
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