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© 2023 AFPTokyo zoo probes possible mass squirrel poisoning
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© 2023 AFP
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BigP
Ooops!!
Hello Kitty 321
The “Japanese squirrel” is not a thing, there are actually three types of squirrel native to Japan.
Moonraker
Very sad. Cute picture of chestnut and squirrel though.
Yubaru
That's a walnut, not a chestnut! Cute picture.
David Brent
Probably a blessing in disguise, knowing how horrible Japanese zoos are for the animals.
Brian Wheway
It sounds like someone has made a mess of the correct dosage, it's going to take a few years before they are back to the full numbers that they had before, there also may be a problem with long term health problems, I like red squirrels, but the highly invasive grey squirrels we have in the UK are a pest, the native red squirrels need to be protected
virusrex
The reports seems strange, antiparasitic drugs (specially those used as a precaution) are normally ingested (for gastrointestinal parasites) or applied in the fur (for ticks, etc.) not injected. A mistake in the application would explain the deaths, but it is beyond believable for a veterinarian to make that mistake, so I hope it is just a problem with the report.
owzer
Smart, but not clever. It's a joke.
OssanAmerica
Well to do English folks started bringing the Eastern Grey Squirrel over to the UK in the 1800s. Just like the Black Bass that some Japanese brought over to Japan in the 1920s. Everyone screams about "invasive species" after having caused the unatural migration themselves.
Andy
I went to a Japanese zoo once and it was a sad and shocking experience. This could be a blessing for those poor creatures.
YeahRight
I'm from Savannah, GA, and we had squirrels all over the place. I loved watching them run around and up and down trees. So cute! It's sad to hear of this incident.
GBR48
quote: the highly invasive grey squirrels we have in the UK are a pest.
Because, like humans, they are more adaptable? They stand considerably more chance of surviving climate change than reds. They are incredibly cute, but territorial. They will eat peanuts out of your hand if you are patient enough - I used to feed them like that at Uni. The adults bury peanuts all over the place, taking out the occasional plant and digging up the odd bulb (protect them with short sticks). The younger squirrels often spend time bounding around the garden sniffing them out, as they are not as good at extracting them from a feeder whilst hanging upside down by their back paws. If you have squirrels, get an all metal peanut cage feeder for them. They make short work of any plastic components. They are better than TV when enjoying a morning cuppa.
Seigi
Mercy killing... RIP squirrels.
OssanAmerica
Japanese Squirrel (Sciurus Lis) is very much a thing. The other native squirrels are the Ezo Risu which genetically is related to the Red Squirrel of the UK, and the Shima Risu (Asiatic Chipmunk).
Parts of Japan also have the Taiwan Squirrel an invasive species.
Lindsay
The zoo insisted the drugs in question were used in proper doses and had been administered before
31 poisoned squirrels make this comment difficult to believe.
masterblaster
Was the insecticide mixed at the zoo?
The mixture could have been mixed incorrectly.
factchecker
If they were my squirrels I'd be going nuts about their loss.
ifd66
It's very clear they need to drop the word "possible".
Jind
I have a very good relationship with the squirrels that come to my backyard and eat my oranges. There is no waste. They will eat it from the inside out and leave the orange on the fence to finish later.
They have very good eyesight. I have windows that no human can see inside my house but they can see me from the outside.
When I am sitting in my living room, they will bring the orange to the fence outside my dinning room and eat it there and they can see me from dinning room window.
When I am outside in the backyard, they do not run away as they know I will not harm them.
BTW, I also have snakes that come to my backyard and they also know I will not harm them and they enjoy their sunbathing on the grass!
Yubaru
Where's the joke in it?
WA4TKG
Brilliant
virusrex
Until it is confirmed that is the only thing that can be said, even with the terribly obvious relationship in time with the anti-parasitic and insecticide treatment other possibilities still exist and some are worth considering because of their importance.
garypen
The word "probable" would be more appropriate.
garypen
One of the things I've found odd about living in Japan, as well as during my previous visits,, is I don't recall ever seeing a squirrel. Back in CA and NY, I would see tons of squirrels, especially greys. But, black and brown squirrels, on occasion, as well. In Japan? Not a one.
I wonder if those three types mentioned in the article are common to other parts of Japan, outside of Kansai?
OssanAmerica
Back in NY there are numerous squirrels in every city and suburban park. The idea of keeping squirrels in a zoo sounds ridicuous. But not in Japan though where they are more rare and not found in urban areas at all.
blue in green
Injecting squirrels?
That's like trying to give a cat a pill.
All that trouble, and then inject the wrong medicine?
Something stinks in the state of Denmark.