Squirrel facts

[thwart]

As much flak as the varmints get here on the Forum, figured someone may want to find out more about them.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/06/science/06angi.html

As smart as they are, I'm surprised they're ever killed by us cyclists... unless it actually is calculated suicide a la Kamikaze... :rolleyes:

[Mr. Squirrel]

and some humans still question whether we can really open a quick release. :rolleyes: not so nuts anymore is it?

we can... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0A2moFdM1Yo)

mr. squirrel

[Bradford]

http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7019199044

David Goodhue - AHN News Reporter
Los Angeles, CA, United States (AHN) - The Los Alamos Campground in the Angeles National Forest will be closed for the next eight days as officials investigate a case of a squirrel testing positive for the plague.


The animal was captured two weeks ago. While the park is closed, squirrel burrows will be dusted for fleas, which can spread the bacterial disease.

Jonathan Fielding, public health director for Los Angeles County, told the Los Angeles Times that, although wild rodents can pass the infection on to humans through fleas, there have been only four cases of humans coming down with the plague in the county since 1984. None of those cases were fatal, he said.

County and National Park officials are warning visitors to stay clear of animal burrows and to avoid rodents, including chipmunks and squirrels. Visitors should also use an insect repellant while in the park, Fielding said.

The plague can be deadly if left untreated. The disease attacks the lymphatic system, and initial symptoms are enlarged or swollen lymph nodes, according to the Mayo Clinic.