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http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/2552436/Deadly-chipmunks-have-invaded-Britain-already.html

Thousands of the vicious and disease-riddled rodents are here now, experts warned last night.


The animals have escaped or been released into the wild by shameless traders or domestic owners terrified of infection.

Yesterday The Sun told how the UK is on high alert in case a wave of the vermin, which have wreaked havoc in France, pours through the Channel Tunnel.

Last night breeder Sharon Balchin said: "Many pet shops and garden centres sell chipmunks and we've heard of lots escaping.

"Sometimes the owners just let them loose if they can't sell them. The females can have up to 16 babies a year, so the population will be growing fairly rapidly."

Experts warned that the Siberian chipmunks - Tamias Sibiricus - may have Lyme disease, which targets the nervous system and can be fatal for humans, and even rabies.

Sharon, 50, of Potters Bar, Herts, said: "I'd advise people who see any not to pick them up because they can bite and draw blood."

As well as the threat to humans, Britain's wildlife is also at risk.

Tony Mitchell-Jones, of Natural England, said: "Animals not native here, like chipmunks, can have a devastating impact on our own species if they are released into the wild.

"They compete for food and can sometimes carry diseases that native wildlife cannot fight off."

Northern France has been hit by a plague of chipmunks, whose numbers have exploded to 100,000 since just 17 were freed from a Brussels park in 1980.

Naturalist Guy Bruel told how the cunning critters have dug a network of tunnels to avoid a cull. He said: "Their trench systems are amazing - like something out of the First World War.

"Efforts have been made to poison or even shoot them, but they always get away."

There are fears UK tourists will slip chipmunks into rucksacks or car boots and bring them across the Channel undetected.

Chris Mullins of Beastwatch UK said: "It wouldn't surprise me if we have a glut of sightings in the near future."

*SCREAMS!!!* PANIC EVERYBODY PANIC!!!!!

u serious.! britain run like hell. and stay away from alvin and the chimpmunks