Yes, I read the same article as you did. And I'll concede that they're one of the cutest rodents on the planet.
Mosquitos are one of the cutest insects on the planet. Dainty and make a little buzz near your ear. When either become a nuisance, it's good that the city steps up to take action.
Latest on teh Santa Monica squirrels:
Ready for the latest about Santa Monica's war on squirrels?
For Santa Monica's proliferating squirrels, Lefty Ayeers is the grim reaper. For a $19,000 bounty paid by the city, professional exterminator Ayers is trapping squirrels that are overruning popular Palisades Park, which is located above the city's ocean-front beach. Ayers' three traps, baited with feed and chunks of watermelon, have snared 80 squirrels. link Trapped squirrels are euthanized with carbon dioxide (at an undisclosed location), then fed to raptor birds at a wildlife refuge as part of the green city's recycling program. The city was ordered to reduce its squirrel population because of the health hazard posed by rodents infested with fleas, which can carry the bubonic plague. Animal lovers, some of whom feed the squirrels, have criticized the extermination program as cruel.
http://www.judysbook.com/members/32586/questions/10220/
Liberals only have sympathy for terrorists...