Health Alert Issued: Dead Squirrels Pose Risk on Popular Hollywood Hiking Trail

Visitors to a well-loved hiking trail are being cautioned to avoid contact with squirrels following reports of sick and deceased animals in Runyon Canyon Park, located in the Hollywood Hills.

Local authorities have noted sightings of “sick, lethargic, and deceased squirrels” along these frequently traveled paths. Hikers are urged to promptly notify park rangers if they encounter any such animals, as highlighted in a notice posted on the Friends of Runyon Canyon Facebook page.

The alert cautions that “sick wildlife may carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans and pets.” It emphasizes the importance of these reports in maintaining safety for all park visitors.

Park rangers have outlined symptoms of illness in these animals, such as appearing lethargic, unsteady, erratic, or disoriented. Hikers are encouraged to report any dead squirrels found along or near the trails.

Officials strongly advise against touching these animals and recommend keeping dogs on a leash to prevent them from coming into contact with potentially infected wildlife.

Additionally, visitors are reminded not to feed the squirrels or any wildlife and to thoroughly wash their hands after spending time in 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.”

A 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.

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