Squirrels found sick, dead after 'toxic substance' left in Richmond, B.C., park
A number of squirrels have been reported sick or dead this month after a "toxic substance" was left in a park in Richmond, B.C., according to police.
Richmond resident Stephanie Payne says two of her friends were out for a walk in South Arm Park last Wednesday, when they came across multiple squirrels either deceased or in grave condition.
"They saw five squirrels that were pretty much almost dead," she said
One of the women immediately reported the distressed squirrels to the BC SPCA and the City of Richmond, which prompted firefighters and city staff to cordon off parts of the area for public safety.
Firefighters scoured the park and discovered a toxic chemical around some of the trees. The compound, known as 1-octanethiol, can cause headaches and vomiting in humans. If handled incorrectly, it can be deadly.
“We want to know who put it there and why it was put there,” says Cpl. Adriana O’Malley, spokesperson for Richmond RCMP.
Police confirm the toxic material has since been safely removed by an environment clean-up crew and the park is fully reopened.
As investigators search for a motive, Payne has her own suspicion of why a toxic substance was dumped in the park. She has frequented the greenspace for the past five years and in that time, she says the squirrel population has grown significantly. Payne believes someone must be fed up with the critters.
“There was so many," she said. "Now, I walk the park and am like why am I not seeing any squirrels? It’s just really odd.”
Payne’s friends have put up posters on trees throughout the park, warning pet owners and people with young children about the harmful chemicals. They’ve also spread the word in community groups online. Richmond RCMP is urging park users to be vigilant.
“If you’re going to the park and you start to see wildlife that appears sick or you’re finding deceased wildlife, make sure you contact the city of Richmond of police,” says Cpl. O’Malley.
Mounties says the chemical has not been found in any other parks so far, and there have not been any reports of people or family pets falling ill.
Anyone who has information on the incident, or who witnesses someone dumping substances at the base of trees in Richmond, is asked to call the RCMP at 604-278-1212. People who want to remain anonymous can instead call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.