Viral ‘vaping’ squirrels spark alarm as animal groups warn of hidden dangers

Clips of squirrels appearing to use e-cigarettes are going viral

A bizarre viral trend showing squirrels seemingly “vaping” is raising real-world concerns among animal welfare experts.

Footage circulating online, including a widely shared clip filmed in Brixton, South London, shows a squirrel perched on a fence holding what appears to be a disposable vape. While the moment has drawn laughs and millions of views, experts say it points to a growing environmental hazard.

🚨#BREAKING: Watch as viral video captured in South London show squirrels vaping with discarded e-cigarettes, seemingly drawn in by the fruity scent after mistaking it for food. pic.twitter.com/a3N4rZ9aHg

— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) March 24, 2026

According to RSPCA, the issue isn’t animals “smoking,” but rather wildlife interacting with dangerous litter left behind by humans.

“These vapes contain materials and poisonous substances which can be hazardous to animals,” an RSPCA spokesperson said, noting the presence of plastic, lithium, and nicotine.

Similar clips have surfaced over the past two years, including a 2024 TikTok video that racked up tens of millions of views and another incident in Philadelphia where a squirrel was seen handling an e-cigarette in a backyard.

Wildlife experts say the appeal may come from the scent or flavoring of disposable vapes, which can attract curious animals. But the risks are significant.

Craig Shuttleworth of Bangor University explained that squirrels may chew on the devices, potentially ingesting harmful microplastics and chemicals.

“You don’t want animals ingesting nicotine,” he warned, adding that such substances are completely foreign to wildlife.

The situation has sparked renewed calls for responsible waste disposal, with animal groups urging the public to properly discard or recycle vapes to prevent further harm.

What might look like a funny viral moment, experts say, is actually a warning sign of how everyday litter is increasingly affecting wildlife in unexpected ways.