‘Squirrels Have The Plague’: California Woman Covers Brother With Nuts in Park — What Happens Next Is Wild
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA — A California woman’s lighthearted park experiment featuring her brother surrounded by squirrels has gone viral — but the video’s popularity came with an unexpected health warning about the plague.
TikTok creator Ashley (@realjunkdrawer) shared the viral clip of her brother lying in the grass covered in peanuts as dozens of curious squirrels gathered around him. The video, meant to be a fun family moment, quickly racked up over 3.7 million views — and sparked a heated debate about whether the stunt was safe.
‘Now He’s a Squirrel Dad’
The video begins with Ashley’s brother stretched out on the ground as she arranges peanuts across his stomach, hands, and head. The caption reads: “I convinced my brother to let us cover him in peanuts in the middle of a squirrel-filled park. And this is what happened…”
At first, the squirrels seem cautious, creeping closer before darting away. “Squirrels are sus,” Ashley jokes in an on-screen caption. But before long, the furry crowd grows bold — grabbing peanuts, squabbling with each other, and even climbing between her brother’s legs.
When one squirrel finally scampers onto his chest and begins eating straight from his hand, Ashley adds another caption: “Unbothered squirrel wants to be hand fed.”
The clip ends with her brother sitting cross-legged as a squirrel lounges calmly in his lap. “Now he’s a squirrel dad,” she declares in the final frame.
Commenters Sound the Alarm: ‘Squirrels Have the Plague!’
After the video gained traction, one viewer posted a serious warning: “Guys, squirrels have the plague. Please don’t pet squirrels.”
Ashley reposted the comment with a wry response — “A little too late” — while replaying the moment her brother fed a squirrel from his chest.
However, experts confirm the warning wasn’t just online paranoia. According to BroBible and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), squirrels in California, Washington, Idaho, and Colorado have tested positive for bubonic plague in recent years.
The illness, caused by bacteria transmitted through infected fleas, can spread to humans and pets if they come into close contact with wild rodents.
Wildlife officials urge people to avoid touching or feeding wild squirrels, noting that even seemingly friendly animals can carry dangerous parasites.
@realjunkdrawer What you can’t hear, is our family hysterically laughing #fyp #squirrel @SteveBroChill
Viral Reactions: Cute, Crazy, or Concerning?
Despite the warnings, many commenters couldn’t stop laughing. “Is your brother aware that he’s a Disney Princess?” one user joked. Another added, “I feel like squirrels could be domesticated and we’re just sleeping on it.”
Ashley later explained that her family was “hysterically laughing” off-camera, insisting the moment was spontaneous and meant for humor.
Still, others shared their concerns: “Cute video, but please be careful — wild animals carry diseases,” one user wrote.
A Laugh With a Lesson
Health experts say the viral video is a perfect example of why wild animals should never be handled or hand-fed, no matter how harmless they appear. “Rodents like squirrels can carry fleas that transmit serious diseases,” the CDC advises.
While Ashley’s brother escaped without incident, the post served as both a viral laugh and an accidental public service announcement — reminding millions that nature should be appreciated from a safe distance.
Would you dare try something like this? Share your thoughts in the comments and follow SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com for more viral and trending U.S. news stories.
