Posted on 10/14/2006 3:27:08 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
City officials are relenting on a plan to trap and kill aggressive squirrels that have been attacking humans in a popular park.
The city does not have any immediate plans to arm the steel traps placed in the trees at Cuesta Park two weeks ago, David Muela, the city's community services director, said Friday.
The city previously said it had no choice but to kill the squirrels after three people - including a 4-year-old boy - were bitten inside the park.
The animals were jumping inside baby strollers, opening food bags and even scratching people giving them handouts including a steady diet of muffins and leftover children's treats, officials said.
The city hired a pest-control company to set the tube traps, which would crush the squirrels while keeping them from public view.
However, there have been no new attacks since a no-food zone was declared around the children's play area, park ranger patrols were increased, and a public education program was launched, Muela said.
"People seem to be getting the message," he said.
The plan to kill the squirrels caused an outcry from animal lovers, who bombarded City Hall with hundreds of letters, phone calls and e-mails.
Animal rights groups also complained, with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals warning the city it could be vulnerable to lawsuits if endangered wildlife were also killed.
Muela said the city is still exploring its options and has not ruled out arming the traps if the attacks start again.
For cryin' out loud .. get your heads back on, dump all that PC/green/inclusive/gay/ecological $h!t and come back to humanity.
I believe the Viking Kitties are the ones puttin' out the word before they come and do some real damage.
And don't act like I'm a screwball ... you're the ones that love trees and animals and call in the dog shrinks and stuff like that. You're the ones, if anyone, that will believe there are Viking Kitties and they communicate, ala Dr. Doolittle, to their brethren.
Save yourselves, before it's too late !
It's not exactly like there's a severe shortage of squirrels or anything like that. Shoot the buggers, the deer and the Canadian Geese while you're at it. Feed em to the poor with some cake.
Well, they are tameable. I used to have a tame squirrel, but it ran away.
VIDEO: Icelandic Bottle Opener
VIDEO: Why I put that "No Solicitors, Peddlers, or Jihadis" sign on my door.
 |
 meets   |
 |
|
| Send FReepmail if you want on/off SVP list | |
| The List of Ping Lists | |
I live in CA, and am sick of everyone bashing us here. Yes, there are some wackos who get their voice heard because of the wackos in power here, but the everyday person is normal and sane and I don't even know one Democrat in my circle of friends.
The squirrels are a pain. Kill them. We had an invasion in our little yard and the vector control made us use these useless traps with mainly inert poison. BB gun did nothing. Finally decon worked. They multiply faster than the local rabbits and are in no way endangered here.
My 12 year old went out today and shot two of 'em ... that's what we do around here ... then we eat 'em.
That's really a nutty picture.
SQUIRRELS?!?!?
oh, I see now.
they should immediately purchase several hundred Saiga12 shotguns, with several 10-rnd mags each, and a freightyard full of 2-3/4" heavy field load shells, arm the menfolk, clear the streets, form a town-spanning skirmish-line, and go to town on the furry-tailed rats.
Foamy....
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.