The Fascinating History of Imported Squirrels as Pets

Back in April of 1999, it was a common practice for Europeans to import squirrels from China and North America to keep as pets. The squirrel trade was thriving during this time, with many people eager to own these exotic animals.

The Squirrel Boom

One notable incident involved a large shipment of squirrels being transported by KLM Royal Dutch airlines from China. However, the shipment was halted at Schiphol airport, en route to an alleged destination in Greece. This event shed light on the growing trend of importing squirrels as pets.

Controversy and Tragedy

Unfortunately, not all stories involving imported squirrels had a happy ending. In a tragic incident, a person was sucked into a jet engine and killed while a plane was preparing for takeoff. This serves as a reminder of the risks and dangers associated with transporting live animals.

For more intriguing stories about the history of imported squirrels and the controversies surrounding them, click here to read more.