In this economy, it would've made more sense to hunt them down and feed them to poor people...

Dick Starbuck


Spokane to detonate squirrels tearing up parks
squirrel
Story Published: Apr 14, 2009 at 5:27 PM PDT

Story Updated: Apr 14, 2009 at 5:43 PM PDT
By NICHOLAS K. GERANIOS Associated Press Writer
SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) - The Finch Arboretum is being overrun by ground squirrels, and Spokane Parks and Recreation is bringing in some special artillery.

The agency is using a special machine called the Rodenator Pro to detonate some of the estimated 100 to 150 squirrels tearing up the grounds.

The Rodenator Pro pumps propane and oxygen into the tunnels of squirrels, then sends an electric spark that causes an explosion. The shock waves kill the squirrels and collapse their tunnels - but in a humane way, the agency said.

Spokanimal, which is the local animal shelter and Humane Society chapter, was caught by surprise by Monday's announcement.

"You're kidding," Director Gail Mackie said when she learned the news. "That borders on cruelty."

Mackie said she would investigate the practice.

The parks department is warning area residents that it plans to blast squirrels all week, and to not be alarmed by noises that sound like gun shots. Parks officials said police have already been called to the arboretum by people who heard the explosions.

Timing is crucial. Parks officials said they want to detonate their prey before the animals start reproducing.

Parks officials said ground squirrels have been a minor problem for years, but their population is, well, exploding.

The squirrels dig tunnels and holes that people can trip on or fall into, the agency said. They eat new tree roots, can spread disease and are spreading to neighboring yards.

Gas bombs were tried in the past, but were not effective, the agency said.

Enter the Rodenator, a product whose workings have been captured on numerous YouTube videos. The company is based in Midvale, Idaho, and promises on its Web site that its product is effective against the "saber-toothed gopher."


markie mark

I'm all right .. nobody worry about me.... I'm all right...

this is more a burner meets Caddy Shack in Spokane thing..

instead of propane and O2. with a charge...... I suggest NO2 no
charge.. much much more humane

and if you don't mind the taste of squirrely butt.... you could wrap
your mouth over the burrow opening...

OI'm alright Nobody worry 'bout me
Why you got to gimme a fight?
Can't you just let it be?
I'm alright Don't nobody worry 'bout me

love it..
Mark


Sammach

This is already done.

Frankly, I'm ok with this....

Think of it... if the same story said "Rat problem", not "Squirrel
Problem", would people be as upset? Probably not. I bet it's
probably more humane than unleashing a pack of coyotes in the park,
which is how nature would take care of the problem. Lets remember...
Nature ain't nice either.

The sheer number of them, and the fact that baiting them/trapping them
would probably kill other animals not targeted by the blow ups. I
guess they might take out a bunny or two since they also burrow, but
so does every burner driving on "Surprise Valley Road".

Save the rats!!! They're people too!!!!

Sam


Joner

whaddaya mean???
shock 'em, suffocate 'em, water board 'em.
they said it was apppropriate interrogation in the memo I received...


markie mark

really bad video of the Rodenator Pro with explosions set to music.


to much beer, to much propane and only one Rodenator Pro


and just one more.. jist beeecause


enjoy
Mark


Sammach

I didn't say it was pretty, or that it should be set to music, which
it shouldn't.

But if you don't have a bunch coyotes or other predator to naturaly
control population, you need to do something. [I wouldn't put a
predator hunting down prey to music either]

Sam


michael

> [I wouldn't put a predator hunting down prey to
> music either]

But I bet Fox would show it. And they'd get awesome ratings.

-mike

DjML

The BBC does in the terrific Planet Earth Series.
-ml
_______________________

DjML

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Dick Starbuck

Unleashing a pack of coyotes in the park wouldn't do much... because they can't climb trees.

You would need a member of the (more superior) feline race in order to do a decent job with squirrel removal.

And anyway, humans are above the inhumanity of nature!
Plus, squirrelburger doesn't sound half-bad! At least, it'd be better than the shit they're selling at McDonalds...


Evangel-ist

I don't care....There are way too many people too. Let's got to some alley ways and sleazy dive bars and apply the same humane process shall we? Let's be quick about it too before they make more....... I love the little fury angry squirrels! I love them so much!

Woodland park had a Bunny relocation project. I think they could have approached this with the same care.

HmmmPhhh.........! Grrrrrrrrrr

Eva Luna