Vaping Squirrels Raise Alarm Among UK Wildlife Experts
Wildlife experts are warning of the dangers discarded nicotine products pose to animals after a squirrel was filmed appearing to “vape” in a London park. The incident highlights the growing issue of wildlife encountering and interacting with discarded litter, particularly e-cigarettes.
A video, shared by The Telegraph, shows a gray squirrel holding a discarded vape on a fence in Brixton. Similar incidents, including photos and videos of squirrels handling and chewing on vape devices, have been reported in both the United States and the United Kingdom.
Attraction to Flavored Liquids
Craig Shuttleworth, a red squirrel expert at Bangor University, explained that the flavored liquids in vapes are likely attracting the animals. “It would be reasonable to assume that a vape would be more attractive than a normal tobacco product that’s not fruity,” he told The Telegraph. He emphasized the dangers of nicotine ingestion for wildlife, stating, “You don’t want animals ingesting nicotine. They don’t encounter nicotine in the wild, so like many chemicals, it’s something you don’t want them exposed to.”
Beyond Nicotine: The Risks of Vape Components
Shuttleworth also pointed out that nicotine isn’t the only hazard. “Eating a vape isn’t part of their natural diet. The components aren’t something they encounter in nature,” he said. “They could gnaw at it and consume some of the microplastics.”
RSPCA Urges Responsible Litter Disposal
The RSPCA has previously warned about the dangers of discarded vapes in 2023 and reiterated its call for responsible litter disposal following the recent video. A spokesperson for the organization stated, “We would urge people to hold on to their litter until there’s an opportunity to dispose of it safely and responsibly — and to always recycle where appropriate, so we can reduce the number of animal casualties we observe impacted by rubbish.”
The RSPCA’s area of coverage includes Abbey Wood, Bermondsey, Blackheath, Brixton, Brockley, Brockwell Park, Camberwell, Catford, Clapham, Deptford, Dulwich, Eltham, Greenwich, Herne Hill, Grove Park and Mottingham, Honor Oak, Kennington, Lambeth, Lewisham, Modern Cross, Peckham, Plumstead. More information about the RSPCA’s London South East Branch can be found on their website.