What is a potential impact pests can have on fish and wildlife?

• A. Direct and immediate harm
• B. Pests never affect wildlife
• C. No effect
• D. Only beneficial effects

Answer: (A)

Pests and the control methods used against them can cause direct, immediate harm to fish and wildlife. When wildlife are exposed to pesticides—through contaminated water, drift from spraying, or by eating treated prey—they can experience acute toxicity that leads to illness or death soon after exposure. This immediate risk is a clear potential impact of pest management on non-target wildlife. While there can also be indirect effects (like changes in habitat or prey availability), the most direct and time-sensitive impact is the harm from exposure itself. The other options ignore that wildlife can be harmed and ignore that harm is not limited to a beneficial or nonexistent effect.