A bizarre viral trend has people laughing online but experts say it points to a much more serious environmental problem. Videos of squirrels appearing to “vape” after picking up discarded e-cigarettes have been spreading across social media, with one of the most talked-about clips showing a gray squirrel in South London clutching a vape device while perched on a fence. While the moment may look funny at first glance, wildlife specialists warn that the animals are not actually trying to smoke. Instead, they are most likely being attracted by the sweet, fruity smell coming from flavored e-cigarettes.
Why Squirrels Are Picking Up Vape Devices
According to experts, squirrels are likely mistaking the fruity scent of flavored vapes for food. Modern e-cigarettes often come in sweet flavors like fruit, candy, or dessert-inspired blends, which can smell appealing to animals that rely heavily on scent when searching for something edible. That may explain why squirrels are showing interest in vapes but were rarely seen interacting with traditional cigarette butts in the same way. Wildlife expert Craig Shuttleworth said it makes sense that a vape would be more attractive to a squirrel than a standard tobacco product because of the stronger fruity aroma.
The Viral Videos That Got Everyone Talking
One of the most widely shared incidents reportedly took place in Brixton, South London, where a squirrel was filmed holding what looked like a disposable vape and chewing on it while sitting on a fence. Another similar clip surfaced from Philadelphia, where a squirrel was seen gnawing on what appeared to be an Elfbar device. These strange encounters quickly spread online because of how unusual they looked, with many people joking that even wildlife had become part of modern vape culture. But behind the humor, experts say the videos are actually a warning sign about how litter is affecting animals in urban areas.
Why This Is Dangerous for Wildlife
The real issue is not that squirrels are “vaping” — it is that they may chew on or ingest harmful parts of the devices. Discarded e-cigarettes can contain nicotine, plastics, chemical residue, and even lithium battery components, all of which can be dangerous if swallowed or bitten into. Experts warn that animals could be exposed to microplastics and toxic substances simply by investigating these items. Shuttleworth also stressed that nicotine is not something squirrels encounter naturally, which makes any exposure especially concerning. Animal welfare groups say the risks go far beyond one funny-looking clip.
Animal Welfare Groups Say This Is Only the Beginning
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) described the incident as a stark reminder of the danger litter poses to wildlife. The organization has warned that these cases are likely only a small fraction of what actually happens, since many wildlife injuries go unseen or unreported. In earlier reports, the group referenced a bird in New Zealand that died after swallowing a vape, as well as other examples of animals interacting with discarded devices. The RSPCA also noted that pets are at risk too, with hundreds of recorded vape-related exposure cases since 2017, most involving dogs.
A Funny Clip With a Very Real Message
What makes this story so striking is the contrast between how amusing it looks and how serious the underlying issue really is. A squirrel nibbling on a vape may seem like pure internet absurdity, but it highlights a growing problem caused by human waste in public spaces. Experts say these animals are not “joining a trend” — they are simply reacting to litter that smells like food and contains dangerous materials. In the end, the viral videos are less about comedy and more about a warning: what humans casually throw away can have unexpected and harmful consequences for wildlife.
