By Geoff Shackelford Santa Monica
The poisoning of squirrels in the northern portion of Palisades Park seems rather crude and unsafe considering that there are no signs posted notifying park users about the green poison boxes chained to the fences. Are these squirrels being blamed for the instability of the hillside, or is there a disease issue? If the latter is the case, then signs should be posted regarding the outbreak of whatever has led to the poison boxes.
As a frequent park user, it’s rather disturbing to see these squirrels (many new-borns) dying a slow, agonizing death, only to have crows fly in and pick and grab them in their weakened state as children are playing nearby (as happened this weekend). Not exactly a relaxing and civil park environment, especially since the squirrels are much more welcome to park residents in comparison to the scores of homeless who have ruined the southern portion of Palisades Park.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 3, 2005. Read the original PDF.