Toxic substance found in Richmond park is from beetles, RCMP say
Mounties say a previously unknown substance found at the base of trees at a park in Richmond, B.C., is related to a beetle infestation.
The RCMP say a resident reported finding a number of sick and dead squirrels in South Arm Community Park on June 9 with fire crews identifying the substance as 1-Octanethiol, a compound used in the production of other chemicals that can be dangerous if it's not handled correctly.
But the Mounties say followup testing after a second incident earlier this week showed the substance appears to be residue from an infestation of red turpentine beetles, which attack mature pine trees.
They add that no sign of the toxin was found in other samples.
The RCMP say the sick and dead squirrels found in the park are believed to have ingested poison, but there's no sign it was intentional.
Police say they appreciate the public's response to the incident and ask anyone who witnesses something suspicious to report it to authorities.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 17, 2021.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Live updates: What star witness in Trump hush money case has said on the stand so far
The star prosecution witness in Donald Trump's hush money trial took the stand Monday with testimony that could help shape the outcome of the first criminal case against an American president.
Police release 3D images of young child found in an Ontario river two years ago
Police have released a three-dimensional image of a young child whose remains were discovered in the Grand River in Dunnville, Ont. almost two years ago.
Kamala Harris drops F-bomb during White House live-stream
U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris used a profanity on Monday while offering advice to young Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders about how to break through barriers.
Western University researchers unlock potential 'cure' for ALS
New research out of London, Ont.’s Western University is shedding light on a potential cure for ALS, in which the targeting of the interaction between two proteins can halt or fully reverse the disease’s progression.
Security video caught admitted serial killer disposing of bodies in Winnipeg garbage bins
Security video caught admitted serial killer Jeremy Skibicki on multiple late-night outings, disposing of body parts in nearby garbage bins and dumpsters in the middle of the night.
Canucks' Soucy suspended 1 game, Zadorov fined $5,000 for post-game crosschecks on McDavid
A Vancouver Canucks defenceman has been suspended for a game and another was handed a hefty fine after a scrum broke out at the end of Game 3 against the Edmonton Oilers Sunday night.
'Judge Judy' Sheindlin sues for defamation over National Enquirer, InTouch Weekly stories
'Judge Judy' Sheindlin sued the parent company of the National Enquirer and InTouch Weekly on Monday for a story that she said falsely claimed that she was trying to help the Menendez brothers get a retrial after they were convicted of murdering their parents.
'Ready to go': Fort McMurray residents prepared for evacuation as crews battle nearby wildfire
An evacuation alert remains in place in the Fort McMurray area on Monday afternoon.
When you have a moment's notice to evacuate, what do you take?
Knowing what to have at home, or take with you for an evacuation, can be useful and even life-saving.