San Jose City Hall’s resident falcons are living their best soap opera life, and trust us, it’s more dramatic than your latest Netflix binge.

Researchers from UC Santa Cruz are on high alert after momma falcon Hartley pulled a wild move by bringing home a potentially poisoned rat for her chicks to feast on. Zeka Glucs, director of the Predatory Bird Research Group, is side-eyeing this rodent situation harder than we scroll through dating app profiles.

The Poisoning Potential

Peregrine falcons typically hunt pigeons and sparrows, so a rat is about as out of place as a tech bro at a sustainability conference. The concern? This rat might have been a toxic takeout, potentially loaded with rodenticides that could spell serious trouble for these feathered urban dwellers.

A Familiar Tragedy

This isn’t the first time toxic rodent control has threatened wildlife. Remember Flaco, the New York City owl who became an avian celebrity before meeting a tragic end? Yeah, it’s that kind of cautionary tale.

Wildlife Under Siege

California’s tried to ban these dangerous rodenticides, but like that one ex who won’t take a hint, they’re still floating around. Meanwhile, falcons are battling not just poison, but bird flu that’s been decimating their populations. These raptors, once the poster children of environmental comeback, are now facing a double whammy of human-induced challenges.

Glucs has a pro tip: want to handle rodents? Stick to snap traps and humane methods. Your local wildlife will thank you – and maybe save a falcon’s life in the process.