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Squirrels Nab Vapes: Wildlife Faces New Danger
25 Mar
Summary
- A grey squirrel in South London was filmed with a disposable vape.
- RSPCA warns that discarded vape litter endangers wildlife.
- Squirrels are drawn to fruity vape scents, not nicotine.
- UK banned disposable vapes but companies found loopholes.
A concerning viral video has emerged from Brixton, South London, featuring a grey squirrel holding and nibbling on a disposable e-cigarette. This incident has prompted the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) to issue a stark warning about the significant threat that discarded vape litter poses to the health and safety of wildlife.
Experts, including Craig Shuttleworth from Bangor University, believe that the squirrels are attracted to the sweet, fruity aromas emanating from the vapes, rather than the nicotine content itself. Shuttleworth noted that while cigarette butt litter was common in the past, vapes, with their appealing scents, may present a novel and more enticing hazard to urban wildlife.
Despite the UK's ban on single-use disposable vapes implemented in June of the previous year, manufacturers are reportedly circumventing the regulations. By redesigning products with features like USB ports and secondary pods, these vapes are being marketed as reusable, thereby adhering to the letter of the law while potentially perpetuating the litter problem.
The video has sparked considerable concern among social media users, with many expressing sadness and dismay at the potential impact of vaping culture on urban wildlife.
