'What have we done': Tiktokers in NYC and London catch squirrels vaping, mistaking the sweet scents for sustenance

Blake Seidel • Managing Editor & Brand Manager

Mar 31, 2026 8:15 AM EDT

The squirrels are going crazy for this new flavor… it's nuts!

Just when you thought 2026 couldn't get any more insane, it did. It wasn't enough that AI is taking over the world, or that eggs became a luxury item, no, that's simply not enough to fill up your Bingo card of outrageous events this decade. And it's not only us humans that are feeling the pressure, but it seems that squirrels are starting to feel it too, and they've turned to vaping to relieve their stress.

NYC and London Tiktok exposed the squirrels searching for and learning to actually use discarded vapes after being attracted by their fruity smells. Researchers think that they are mistaking them for food, which makes sense, especially when you have vapes that are "cheesecake" and "strawberry-kiwi-banana" flavored. Now that companies know they have a pawtential new squirrel market to open up to you, the next thing you'll know, you'll start seeing flavors like "acorn" or "chestnut".

While many want to take this as a sign of the end of times, we want this to be a wake-up call. This is our sign to A) start using less products involving plastic, B) please throw away your trash properly, and C) think about how your actions have consequences in the real world. We only have one Earth, and we need to treat it with the proper respect in order for our children, and our children's children, to be able to enjoy it the same way we did. Littering isn't cool, and neither is vaping, so maybe just quit both of them while you're at it.

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via outdoorskie
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via outdoorskie
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via outdoorskie
Littering is impacting the Earth? Shocking! As sad as it is to see this information, it's nothing new. Think about the amount of trash you throw away every day, then multiply that by 7,000,000,000. So, yes, it does make a difference if you properly dispose of your garbage, and especially if you recycle. It's not even that hard!
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via nachoo.averagee
Squirrels have a lot of reasons to be stressed, but we're not sure climate change is one of them. They have cars to avoid, predators to hide from, and a whole winter to survive every year. It's no wonder they're looking for some stress relief, but vaping is not the answer. Maybe try meditation around an acorn tree instead!
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