N.J. warns: Don't eat squirrel near dump

AP/Yahoo ^ | Thu Jan 25, 5:36 PM ET

[martin_fierro]

N.J. warns: Don't eat squirrel near dump

Thu Jan 25, 5:36 PM ET

TRENTON, N.J. - New Jersey has warned squirrel hunters near a toxic waste dump about consuming the critters because they could be contaminated with lead.

It is the first time the state has cautioned Ringwood residents _ many who are members of the Ramapough Mountain Indian tribe who hunt and fish in the area _ about their squirrel intake, said Tom Slater, a spokesman for the Department of Health and Senior Services.

A lead-contaminated squirrel was found in the area two months ago, prompting the agency, along with the state Department of Environmental Protection, to send out letters advising that adults eat squirrel no more than twice a week and even less for children and pregnant women.

Lead, which is harmful in small amounts, can damage the nervous system, red blood cell production and the kidneys.

"We've known for a long time something was wrong here, we just didn't know what it was," resident Myrtle Van Dunk said.

Residents and many environmental activists believe the lead comes from toxic waste, including paint sludge, dumped in the area by the Ford Motor Co. during the 1960s and early 1970s, from its now-closed car manufacturing plant in Mahwah.

Ford is removing thousands of tons of waste from a 500-acre former mining property in the Ringwood area. The site was recently relisted on the federal Superfund list, a ranking of the country's worst environmental dump sites, after multiple cleanups failed to remove all the sludge

[martin_fierro]

No amateurs, please. Send FReepmail if you want on/off ISHP list
The List of Ping Lists

[cripplecreek]

[nmh]

We don't eat squirrel. Not an issue here ... .

[SirJohnBarleycorn]

Stay clear of the fish, too...

[neverdem]

bump & a BANG!

[xcamel]

see: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1773652/posts

[martin_fierro]

advising that adults eat squirrel no more than twice a week and even less for children and pregnant women.

[afnamvet]

The indians should build a casino and eat right. Squirrel meat is organic though sans lead.

[DollyCali]

Okay, I wont eat the squirrel there I PROMISE.. and it wont be too hard for this "boring" vegetarian.

This reminds me of a really hot guy I dated a few years back. A George Clooney look alike (a dead ringer).. A kayak, biking & fun friend,... but his profession was meat cutter (butcher).

I recall the definitive day when although the hormones were saying "YES".. he saw a squirrel running across the bank when we were kayaking & he said he was "drooling" & wanting to catch it & "eat it"...well, I knew this was NOT Mr. Right for me despite the other attributes that were powerful.

MF.. thank you for the regular great pings. Always interesting & alway fun

[digger48]

[Pharmboy]

I occasionally drive by the Ringwood exit on I-287. No more roadkill for me when I'm there from now on...

[Slings and Arrows]

South-baiters, note that this story is from NEW JERSEY.

[Eaker]

Did they check to see if it was balancing weights on his new squirrel tires?

It could happen..........

[neverdem]

I occasionally drive by the Ringwood exit on I-287. No more roadkill for me when I'm there from now on...

I was thinking of hunting. I wouldn't think of roadkill unless I witnessed a deer getting creamed. Hopefully, it won't be from my vehicle.

[SquirrelKing]

Definitely will give you gas.

[EveningStar]

Holy squirrelpuckey, Batman!

[Shimmer128]

If you start glowing in the dark, we'll know why.

Note the new tagline!

[Stoat]

Definitely will give you gas.
 

Lawd, when things like this start happening, it's a sign from God that you need to stay with the tried and true entrees....

 

[Cagey]

I usually get my squirrel pre-cooked when they fall off of high power lines.