The Los Angeles City Council’s Arts, Parks, Health, Aging and River Committee considered the issue of rat poisons being used in city parks on Monday after it was recently disclosed that a mountain lion living in Griffith Park became sickened after eating animals that had been exposed to the poisons.

Laurel Serieys, a biologist from the University of California, Los Angeles testified before the committee that the poisons, also known as second-generation rodenticides, affect numerous species in the Santa Monica Mountains. The mountain lion, known by biologists as P 22, was first observed in Griffith Park in 2012. The animal was captured and fitted with a tracking collar so scientists could study its habits. Remote cameras were also set up at locations throughout the upper regions of Griffith Park to track the lion’s movement, and earlier this year, one of the cameras captured a photograph that showed the animal was suffering from mange. The mountain lion was captured again in March and treated for mange and the effects of poisoning. Blood tests were taken that later showed signs of toxins found in rat poison in the lion’s system.

Biologists believe that P 22 may have eaten a coyote that had previously fed on rats that ingested the poison. Mountain lions primarily feed on mule deer and larger prey, but P 22 is known to have eaten at least two coyotes, said Kate Kuykendall, a public information officer for the Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area.

When ingested by rats and other rodents, the rodenticides prevent their blood from coagulating, eventually resulting in death. Serieys testified on Monday that other animals routinely eat the dying rodents, and the poisons move up the food chain. Some residents of areas near the Santa Monica Mountains and Griffith Park have reported unusual instances of birds of prey and coyotes dying.

“We’re looking beyond mammals,” Serieys said. “Reptiles and birds are also exposed to these poisons.”

The extent of the city’s use of rodenticides in Griffith Park and other natural areas is unclear. Councilman Mitch O’Farrell, 13th District, who chairs the Arts, Parks, Health, Aging and River Committee, directed the city’s Department of Recreation and Parks to report back in 30 days on the extent of the use of rodenticides, and the possible elimination of second generation rat poisons in city parks. City Councilman Paul Koretz, 5th District, and Tom LaBonge, 4th District, had previously authored a motion calling for the committee hearing. The next hearing has not yet been scheduled.

“We’re in the 21st Century and all of the focus in Los Angeles is on restoring our ecosystems,” O’Farrell said. “Living sustainably and in harmony with what’s around us is tremendously important to many people. This includes living with less pesticides.”

Joe Salaices, supervisor of operations in Griffith Park for the department of recreation and parks, said the department is currently compiling the report on the use of rat poisons, and could not comment directly on the extent of its usage.

“What I can tell you right now is there is a discussion going on. Our department has been instructed to come back with a report on rodenticides,” Salaices said. “I can tell you in our department, we [follow] best practices with rodenticides. We think a lot might be coming from insecticides being used in the neighborhoods around the park. We are looking into it and studying it, and we’ll find out.”

Gerry Hans, president of Friends of Griffith Park, said he has long been aware of the negative effects rodenticides have on larger animals, and that he is very concerned they could wipe out entire species in Griffith Park. A state law has already been approved banning the sale to the public of second-generation rat poisons beginning on July 1.

“When Friends of Griffith Park formed in 2010, this was one of our primary concerns from day one,” Hans said. “There are other ways to control rodents. This is not a new problem; it’s been going on for a long time. Griffith Park is surrounded by residential homes, and I’m sure by getting [second-generation rodenticides] off the shelves, it will help.”