{"id":602323,"date":"2026-04-23T21:17:08","date_gmt":"2026-04-23T21:17:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/602323\/"},"modified":"2026-04-23T21:17:08","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T21:17:08","slug":"dead-squirrels-spark-health-alert-at-runyon-canyon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/602323\/","title":{"rendered":"Dead squirrels spark health alert at Runyon Canyon"},"content":{"rendered":"

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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Officials said that \u201csick, lethargic, and deceased squirrels have recently been observed\u201d along the popular hiking trails<\/a>, asking hikers to report immediately to the park ranger if they see any, according to the alert shared on the Friends of Runyon Canyon Facebook page<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cSick wildlife may carry diseases transmissible to humans and pets,\u201d the alert warned. \u201cYour reports help keep the park safe for everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hikers at a Los Angeles park have been warned to steer clear of the squirrels. Getty Images<\/p>\n

Rangers said signs that a critter may be sick<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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<\/p>\n

Officials are asking people not to touch any of these animals and to be sure to keep their dogs away from the wildlife. Getty Images<\/p>\n

In 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.<\/p>\n

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,\u00a0or could something worse be happening like they are poisoned?<\/p>\n

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\u201cI\u2019ve sometimes been considered an erratic, disoriented squirrel \u2014 especially by the time I get to the top of Runyon. \u2026 But seriously, thanks for the heads up. We\u2019ll be on the lookout,\u201d one person wrote.<\/p>\n

Another added, \u201cOoh, that\u2019s probably PLAGUE. STOP FEEDING THEM! It\u2019s not only ILLEGAL, it\u2019s horrible for them.\u201d<\/p>\n

The obvious question people are asking on social media is what\u2019s happening here. GC Images<\/p>\n

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 Images<\/p>\n

A third wondered if the animals were injecting poison set out for rats and mice.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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