Mass Squirrel Deaths Investigated in Japan After Using Treatments To Kill Parasites

The latest report showed the mass deaths of squirrels in a zoo in Japan. Authorities are expected to investigate the sudden deaths of tree-dwelling animals.

Japanese squirrels can be found in parts of Japan and zoos. They are known for being cute-looking and small, moving around trees and on the ground.

The animal is found in parts of Honshū, Shikoku, and Kyūshū.

The small squirrels can live between 12 to 14 years. The squirrels have claws and bushy tails. During the summertime, their fug can look red-orange.

In a zoo in Japan, authorities are investigating the 31 fatalities of squirrels after likely died from poisoning. Recent reports showed that they were given treatments or anti-parasitic medicine.

Mass Squirrel Deaths Investigated in Japan

The bushy-tailed squirrel habitat was also sprayed with insecticide, which could have contributed to their deaths. Authorities are expected to conduct a pathological examination to determine the cause of their deaths.

According to reports, squirrels love to eat walnuts in their daily diets. The Japanese walnut helps the lowland squirrels in the country. However, squirrels suffer from habitat loss, commercialization and predation.

The staff at the Inokashira Park Zoo in Tokyo administered an anti-parasitic medicine to squirrels. The zoo explained that their keepers gave proper doses, and it was done before.

In addition, the zoo noted that drug-induced poisoning can be likely. As a result, investigations are essential to determine the root cause.

Meanwhile, recent reports showed that Japanese squirrels can roam around parks. However, they will immediately hide when they see humans.

The population is considered a Least Concern, according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. However, they are challenging to observe because they are fearful animals and evasive to people.

Amazing Squirrel Facts: What You Should Know

In winter, squirrels find ways to look for food, even if in food of snow. According to reports, they can smell potential food hidden in snow. In terms of their front teeth, they can grow more!

To escape from possible predation or attacks, recent reports said that they could evade by moving in a zigzag pattern. In the US, most parks have squirrels roaming around trees.

Squirrels may look small, but they are fast-moving animals. They can adapt to changing environments. For example, adding extra weight is an effective strategy for squirrels to survive in winter with extreme cold.

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