Wildlife experts are warning of the dangers discarded nicotine products can pose, after a squirrel was caught on camera vaping at a London park. A video posted to social media has captured other incidents of squirrels handling, chewing on, and even burying discarded vape devices in the U.S. and the U.K. Craig Shuttleworth, a red squirrel expert at Bangor University in Maryland, said the flavored liquid is likely what captures the squirrels’ attention. He said the nicotine isn’t the only dangerous part of the vape, pointing out that squirrels could gnaw into the vape devices and consume microplastics. The SPCA, which previously issued a warning about the dangers of discarded vapes in 2023, said the latest video should serve as a reminder to properly dispose of litter.
