Pellets found at Virginia Lake not 1080, says council

Green pellets found at Virginia Lake have been identified by the Whanganui District Council as rabbit poison. Photo/ Supplied

Green pellets found at Virginia Lake are not 1080, the Whanganui District Council has confirmed.

Photographs of the pellets were circulated widely on Facebook on Tuesday evening with speculation it was the controversial pest control 1080.

Council staff visited the site this morning and confirmed the pellets were commercially available rabbit poison.

"The area has been cordoned off and we will be meeting at the site with the Department of Conservation, police and our contractors who manage pest control at Virginia Lake, before removing the pellets," a council statement said.

On Tuesday evening Whanganui mayor Hamish McDouall said on Facebook that the council did not use 1080.

"We are taking this very seriously and are meeting DoC and the police tomorrow morning, and I commit to a full investigation," he said.

"I hope this is not some misguided protest. For the record 1080 has no place in an urban sanctuary like Virginia Lake."

Council said it would have further comment to make later today.