Squirrels 'vaping' discarded e-cigarettes spark health warnings from experts

Videos of squirrels appearing to 'vape' have spread widely on social media. Clips from London and Philadelphia show the animals sniffing or chewing on discarded e-cigarettes. Wildlife experts warn that while the behaviour may look amusing, it poses serious risks to their health.

The squirrels are drawn to the sweet, fruity scents of flavoured e-liquids. Popular vape tastes like strawberry, mango, and bubblegum mimic natural smells, making them enticing to wildlife. However, experts stress that the animals are not seeking nicotine or becoming addicted.

Discarded e-cigarettes contain harmful substances, including nicotine, lithium batteries, and chemical flavourings. If ingested, these components can poison animals or cause internal injuries. Reports have already emerged of pets and wild creatures suffering after contact with vape waste. Millions of single-use vapes are discarded weekly, often in parks and streets where squirrels forage. The RSPCA has urged the public to dispose of litter responsibly, highlighting the broader threat of human waste to wildlife. Craig Shuttleworth, a red squirrel specialist, noted that squirrels have not previously shown interest in traditional cigarette butts, suggesting this is a new and concerning behaviour linked to modern e-cigarette litter.

The trend underscores the unintended consequences of disposable vapes on urban wildlife. With no evidence of addiction, the primary risk remains toxicity from accidental ingestion. Authorities continue to call for safer waste disposal to protect animals from harm.