A series of viral videos showing squirrels chewing on discarded vapes across South London is drawing massive attention online — but behind the memes and music-backed clips, experts say the trend highlights a growing environmental hazard.
Clips circulating on TikTok and X show squirrels clutching brightly colored disposable e-cigarettes and nibbling on them in a way that, at a glance, resembles human vaping. One widely shared video from 2024 has already surpassed 43 million views, while a newer March 2026 post quickly gained traction with six-figure engagement.
The videos have sparked a wave of jokes online, with users comparing the animals to humans picking up habits or referencing pop culture punchlines. But wildlife specialists say the behavior is being widely misunderstood.
According to Craig Shuttleworth of Bangor University, squirrels aren’t “smoking” — they’re investigating.
Modern disposable vapes often contain sweet, fruit-based flavorings designed to appeal to human users. Those same scents can mimic natural food sources like berries, making the devices unusually attractive to foraging animals.
“In the past, discarded cigarette butts didn’t really interest squirrels,” Shuttleworth noted. “But these fruity aromas are something entirely different — they can easily be mistaken for food.”
Animal welfare groups warn that the consequences of that confusion can be severe.
The RSPCA says vape litter poses multiple risks to wildlife, particularly due to nicotine exposure. Studies on small mammals show that nicotine can become toxic at doses as low as 1 milligram per kilogram of body weight, potentially causing seizures, respiratory issues, and even death.
Beyond nicotine, the physical components of the devices present additional dangers. Lithium-ion batteries inside disposable vapes can leak harmful substances or cause internal injuries if punctured, while plastic casings can lead to choking hazards or digestive blockages.
The issue isn’t limited to squirrels. Experts say birds, pets, and even marine animals are increasingly at risk as vape waste accumulates in public spaces. Bright colors and lingering scents can attract animals that mistake the debris for food, leading to ingestion of harmful materials.
What’s emerging is a broader pattern. Similar incidents have been documented between 2024 and 2026 in both the UK and the United States, tracking alongside the rapid rise in disposable vape use. Urban parks — where littering is common — have become hotspots for these encounters.
For organizations like the RSPCA, the viral nature of the clips presents a double-edged sword: while the footage drives awareness, it also risks trivializing a serious issue.
What’s playing out online as a bizarre, meme-ready moment is, in reality, a reflection of a growing environmental problem — one where human habits are increasingly intersecting with wildlife in unexpected and dangerous ways.
