A video of a thirsty squirrel asking for water before drinking a bottle has gone viral. You can see it below:
In the clip, the gray squirrel can be seen following a group of people around and standing intermittently on its two hind legs, apparently gesturing towards its water bottle.
The bottle is then spread out for the squirrel that is frantically eating it, soaking up in the process. In 30 seconds, the rodent manages to see the entire bottle before walking away, presumably its thirst quenched.
The video of the strange interaction has gone viral and has been viewed more than 687,000 times on Twitter, and many people were surprised that the creature had the knowledge and the audacity to ask for and drink water this way.
But while most seemed to find everything pretty sweet, there were some who ruined the mood by pointing out that it’s probably not a positive sign if a squirrel relies on water bottles to stay hydrated.
Health officials in Colorado issued an alert after animal test results returned, and specialists said there was “an increase in reported plague activity.”
The squirrel was found in Morrison, near Denver, and is understood to be the first recorded case of plague in the county.
In a statement, the Jefferson County Department of Public Health (JCPH) said it was vital that people not take risks when they were around animals.
It said: “Plague is an infectious disease caused by the Yersinia pestis bacteria, and can be contracted by humans and pets if proper precautions are not taken.”
The statement warned that humans could contract the disease from being bitten by an infected flea, from an infected animal’s cough, or from direct contact with ‘blood or tissue from infected animals.’
He said cats are particularly susceptible to the disease and could die if not treated promptly, adding that pet owners who live near wild animal populations ‘should consult their vet about their pets’ flea control. to help prevent the transfer of fleas to humans. ‘
The JCPH recommended the following precautions:
- Eliminate all sources of food, shelter and access for wild animals around the home.
- Do not feed wild animals.
- Keep a yard free of garbage and trash to reduce wildlife habitats.
- People and pets should avoid contact with sick or dead wild animals or rodents.
- Use caution when handling sick pets. Have a vet examine sick pets.
- Talk to your vet about flea and tick control for your pets.
- Prevent pets from roaming freely outside the home, where they can attack wild animals and bring disease home with them.
Symptoms of bubonic plague include fever, chills, headaches, nausea, and pain and swelling of the lymph nodes within two to seven days after exposure. It can be fatal if left untreated.
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