Squirrel hunters living near toxic waste dump in New Jersey have been warned not to eat the critters as the meat may be contaminated with dangerous levels of lead.

The Department of Health has issued an official notice urging the people of Ringwood to limit their squirrel consumption to two meals a week, and advised pregnant women and children to steer clear of the meat altogether.

The warning came after lab analysis traced the lead in a contaminated squirrel found two months ago to a toxic dump.

While squirrel is not a globally recognised delicacy, many Ringwood residents are mountain Indians from the Ramapough tribe who hunt and fish in the area and have traditionally relied on the animal as a source of game meat.

Sam Bond

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