RODENTS EXPLODED

Colorado's organic farmers want to introduce a new, environmentally friendly rodent eradication method, explosives:

Under a proposal by the Colorado Division of Wildlife, explosive gases - such as a mix of oxygen and propane - could be injected and then ignited inside the burrows of prairie dogs, ground squirrels, gophers and marmots.

Wildlife officials say they've been approached by organic-produce growers interested in using the gases, which deliver a powerful concussive force that kills the animals and collapses their tunnels.

"This is a way for them to avoid using toxic substances to help them remain certified as organic," said Colorado Division of Wildlife spokesman Tim Holeman.

There's something not quite right about organic farmers blowing up rodents. They could always try a really big vacuum cleaner and if that doesn't work...