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# Squirrels, a tough nut to crack
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/squirrels-a-tough-nut-to-crack/
- Published: 2007-04-01T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-24T00:20:30.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Environment, Pacific Palisades, #archive-import, Homeless

*By ALFRED FINKLEGUY Daily Mess Staff Writer*

PALISADES PARK Following repeated failed attempts to give the squirrel population in Palisades Park birth control, city officials have decided to release natural predators in the popular park to reduce the furry fiends’ numbers.

The squirrels’ natural enemy — cassowaries — have been flown in from Mission Beach, Australia, in great numbers to significantly reduce the rampant population of squirrels seen scavenging for sustenance at the popular bluffs overlooking the pier. While they may seem altogether friendly and chipper, there are those in city government that believe the critters may be harboring the renowned “Black Plague” virus and should be eliminated.

“They have been known to carry plague germs and are not to be trusted,” said Nigel Forbes, a spokesman for the Urban Wildlife League.

The pilot program, which began two months ago, has had a fair share of success, but there seems to be one unexpected result. It seems that the squirrel population is diminishing in numbers, but cassowaries are running rampant at the park. There also seemed to be an increased number of other wild species introduced to the region.

“They brought the pandas to eat the cassowaries, but they don’t seem to like eating them at all,” said one homeless man who refused to be identified. Meanwhile, some of the few squirrels left at Palisades Park were seen practicing Kama Sutra moves on each other, fueling fears that the cute little rodents will bring about a plague on all our houses.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 1, 2007.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/040107.pdf?ref=smdp.com)