What is typically the result of a rodent consuming tracking powder?

When rodents consume tracking powder, they generally become dehydrated and consequently seek water. The tracking powder usually contains a toxic substance that affects the rodent's internal systems, leading to dehydration. This dehydration occurs because the toxins disrupt normal physiological functions, resulting in increased thirst as the animal's body reacts to the impact.

Unlike immediate lethality, which might prevent the animal from exhibiting signs of distress or seeking water, the gradual effects of the tracking powder prompt the rodent to search for hydration sources. This behavioral response is critical for understanding how to effectively manage rodent populations, as it indicates the need for monitoring the areas where tracking powder is used and recognizing the signs of rodent activity in response to this bait.