Hikers at a popular trail have been warned to steer clear of squirrels after people reported seeing sick and dead ones around Runyon Canyon Park in the Hollywood Hills.
Signs indicate that “sick, lethargic, and deceased squirrels have recently been observed” along the popular hiking trails. The posts ask hikers to report if they see any to a park ranger, according to the alert shared on the Friends of Runyon Canyon Facebook page.
“Sick wildlife may carry diseases transmissible to humans and pets,” the alert warned. “Your reports help keep the park safe for everyone.”
Hikers at a Los Angeles park have been warned to steer clear of the squirrels. Getty ImagesRangers said signs that a critter may be sick include the animal appearing lethargic, unsteady, erratic or disoriented. People have been advised to contact officials if they spot any dead squirrels on or near the trails.
Officials are asking people not to touch any of these animals and to be sure to keep their dogs away from the wildlife and on a leash to keep their pups from possibly being infected by whatever is making the critters sick.
Officials are asking people not to touch any of these animals and to be sure to keep their dogs away from the wildlife. Friends of Runyon Canyon/Facebook
Officials are asking people not to touch any of these animals and to be sure to keep their dogs away from the wildlife. Getty ImagesIn addition, they said to not feed the squirrels or any of the other wildlife and to be sure to wash their hands thoroughly after visiting the park.
The sick squirrels have sparked a ton of online chatter: Are the animals suffering from some kind of wildlife disease that broke out in the area, or could something worse be happening like they are poisoned?
“I’ve sometimes been considered an erratic, disoriented squirrel — especially by the time I get to the top of Runyon. … But seriously, thanks for the heads up. We’ll be on the lookout,” one person wrote.
Another added, “Ooh, that’s probably PLAGUE. STOP FEEDING THEM! It’s not only ILLEGAL, it’s horrible for them.”
The obvious question people are asking on social media is what’s happening here. GC Images
The alert provided tips for contacting a park ranger if a hiker does spot one of these squirrels not looking right. Los Angeles Times via Getty ImagesA third wondered if the animals were injecting poison set out for rats and mice.
The alert also provided tips for contacting a park ranger if a hiker does spot one of these squirrels not looking right, asking people to note the location and time of your sighting if possible.
The Post reached out to the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks about the alert and to find out what is happening.
The Department of Recreation and Parks says it has not issued any alert about squirrels at the popular Hollywood Hills hotspot — and denies putting up the notices that sparked concern.
Officials say their Urban Ecologist team is already on the case, keeping tabs on the situation and looping in the California Department of Fish and Wildlife with a formal report.
Maintenance crews have also been put on notice and will continue to keep an eye out — but for now, the city says there’s no active emergency unfolding in the park.
Still, they’re asking Angelenos to stay vigilant. Anyone who spots sick or distressed wildlife is urged to report it through the state’s Wildlife Mortality Report system.
For more info officials say to contact the Department of Recreation and Parks or check out its official website.
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