BC Mounties are investigating after a toxic substance was found among trees in a city park.
The toxin was reported after a resident noticed dead and sick squirrels around South Arm Park, Richmond on June 9.
Firefighters and city staff cordoned off the area before confirming that the substance was 1-Octanethiol, which can be dangerous to humans and animals.
An environmental clean-up team removed the substance.
“The origin of the toxin is still under investigation,” said Cpl. Ian Henderson.
“Fortunately the resident recognized something was wrong when she started seeing a number of dead and sick squirrels. We have not received any reports of people or family pets falling ill, nor have there been any other instances reported in other city parks at this time.”
The RCMP said that residents should keep an eye out for dead or sick animals in a “concentrated area.”
Cpl. Henderson added: “Whether it was placed in specific locations intentionally or simply dumped in the park, this substance has no place here, and our investigators are working to determine who was responsible.”
