Squirrels Are 'Vaping' E-Cigarettes After Mistaking Fruity Scents For Food

The rise of e-cigarettes has become so widespread that it now appears to be affecting wildlife, with even squirrels getting caught up in the trend in a strange and unexpected way.

In one viral clip shared online, a gray squirrel can be seen holding what looks like a vape device while sitting on a fence in Brixton, South London, according to reports. The unusual sight quickly caught people’s attention.

The squirrel was gripping the device in its paws and seemed to be chewing on it. The scene reminded some viewers of other odd urban wildlife moments, like the well-known cigarette-carrying cockroach that once made headlines.

A squirrel is seen gnawing on a vaping device. @, carly.dane / TikTok

In another case from October, a TikTok user named @tts_tiktok22 posted a video showing a squirrel in Philadelphia chewing on what appeared to be an Elfbar vape device.

Experts believe that the animals are not being drawn to nicotine itself. Instead, they are likely attracted to the strong fruity scents that come from flavored e-cigarettes.

"In the old days, you'd see lots of discarded cigarette butts, but I don't remember squirrels running around with them," Craig Shuttleworth, a red squirrel specialist at Bangor University in Wales, explained. "It would be reasonable to assume that a vape would be more attractive than a normal tobacco product that's not fruity."

Squirrel is seen chewing on the tip of a vape pen. @tts_tiktok22 / TikTok

Even if the attraction comes from the smell, the effects on the animals could still be harmful. The risks remain serious despite the initial curiosity.

Experts warn that squirrels and other animals could end up consuming harmful materials when they chew on these devices. This includes microplastics, as well as nicotine, both of which can have negative effects on their health.

"They don't encounter nicotine in the wild, so like many chemicals, it's something you don't want them exposed to," he explained, highlighting the concern around exposure to substances not found in nature.

“In the old days, you’d see lots of discarded cigarette butts, but I don’t remember squirrels running around with them,” Craig Shuttleworth, a red squirrel expert at Bangor University in Wales, told the outlet. “It would be reasonable to assume that a vape would be more attractive than a normal tobacco product that’s not fruity.” VV Shots – stock.adobe.com

A spokesperson for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) described the situation as a "stark reminder of the danger discarded litter poses to our wildlife."

"We would urge people to hold on to their litter until there's an opportunity to dispose of it safely and responsibly," they said, pointing out that millions of single-use vapes were being thrown away each week before restrictions were introduced.

This type of incident is not isolated. In a 2023 blog post, RSPCA Scientific Officer Evie Button shared similar cases, including a bird in New Zealand that died after swallowing a vape, as well as images of a squirrel attempting to bury one in Wales.

"We know that this will only be the tip of the iceberg as so many litter casualties go unseen and unreported, particularly with wildlife," she said, expressing concern about how many cases go unnoticed.

Wild animals are not the only ones affected by discarded vapes. Button also pointed out that pets are at risk, with the Veterinary Poisons Information Service reporting 680 cases involving vape exposure since 2017, most of which involved dogs.

She added, "sadly, there have been reports of pets dying after consuming liquids from vapes."

The impact of vaping is not limited to animals. There are also growing concerns about its effects on human health.

Although vapes are often promoted as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, research has linked them to a range of health issues. These include heart problems, potential links to cognitive decline, and serious lung conditions. In some cases, young users have experienced severe complications, including lung collapse.

The American Heart Association has described the rise in vaping among young people as a "serious public health threat."