US3 min(s) read
Published 16:32 28 Apr 2026 GMT
Americans have been handed a stark warning by officials, after it was found that wild pigs in California have been turning blue.
The bizarre occurrence is believed to be linked to a toxic rodenticide, as the state has implemented measures to restrict the use of the substance.
A rodenticide named diphacinone is believed to be responsible for the pigs turning an odd color, as meat eaters have been told to be cautious.
California is now only allowing the substance to be used for purposes such as mosquito vector control and protecting endangered species.
While it has primarily been seen in pigs recently, diphacinone poisoning also affects the likes of bees, bears, owls and mountain lions.
Animals that eat rodents poisoned by the chemical compound can become sick and die as a result.
Rat poisons which contain diphacinone are sold dyed blue so they can be identified, but this has been highly restricted in the Golden State since 2024.
Responding to the flesh of several wild pigs turning blue in the state, Dan Burton, the owner of a wildlife control company, told The Los Angeles Times: "I'm not talking about a little blue. I'm talking about neon blue, blueberry blue."
Ryan Barbour, a pesticide investigations coordinator from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), warned hunters last year in particular.
"Hunters should be aware that the meat of game animals, such as wild pig, deer, bear, and geese, might be contaminated if that game animal has been exposed to rodenticides," he highlighted.
"Rodenticide exposure can be a concern for non-target wildlife in areas where applications occur in close proximity to wildlife habitat," the expert claimed.
CDFW has told hunters in particular to report anything unusual in harvested wildlife. This can include blue tissue as well.
They said in a press release: "Incidents may be reported to the CDFW's Wildlife Health Lab at [email protected] or (916) 358-2790."
The substance is primarily used to control populations of rodents such as mice, squirrels and rats.
This poison is often put in bait stations and colored blue by pest control companies so humans can clearly see the rodenticide once it has been used.
A warning has been sent to hunters in particular, who may look to eat wild pig meat, as cooking doesn't eliminate the toxic substance from the animal.
Consuming any contaminated meat can lead to severe health issues.
These can include the likes of gum bleeding, nosebleeds, blood in urine, and bloody stools.
Other symptoms which can be caused by eating the blue meat include abdominal pain, back pain, dizziness, low blood pressure, and shortness of breath.
In rare cases, it can even be fatal.
