It was the squirrels, with the Bubonic Plague, in Denver Zoo. Or least that's what the zoo veterinarian Dr. Dave Kenny thinks, after an eight-year-old hooded capuchin monkey was found dead last Wednesday morning. Although the jury is still out on whether or not the squirrels did do it, zoo officials are taking no chances. They will be putting into action some necessary steps to prevent anything like this from happening again.

Why the squirrels? Dr. Dave Kenny explained that the hooded capuchins were recently moved to their summer habitat - basically an island with tall trees that more than a few squirrels have made homes out of.

Spanky - the lone casualty in this unfortunate tragedy - probably stumbled upon a nest of infected ground squirrels and got infected.

Although it's possible that Spanky could have gotten the disease from exposure alone, as the plague itself spreads through fleas - there could another reason entirely, and one much icky-er. Dr. Dave Kenny affirms this, saying: "Because it was pretty acute, it makes the most sense that she ingested an infected squirrel."

A little backgrounder on the Bubonic Plague: More commonly known as the Black Death, the flea-borne disease killed quite a large number of people during the 14th century (read:millions), proving itself quite deserving of its name. Of course, today's medical breakthroughs have reduced the plague from an incurable, terminal illness to something far more manageable and treatable - but it's still deadly as ever to humans (and evidently hooded capuchin monkeys).

With Spanky's death came changes to not only minimize exposure and the chances of an outbreak, but also to raise awareness. A planned summer exhibit where zoo-goers could pet and touch Nubian and Pygmy goats was nixed this Tuesday. Animals will be fed indoors rather than outdoors, to minimize leftovers that the little rodents thrive off of. More signboards that warn against squirrel cuteness and squirrel feeding were also erected around the zoo, to further discourage the act. In addition to these, Zoo staff will be stationed around the park to dispense information about the plague, as well as monitor squirrel activity.

Although no other monkeys are showing symptoms or signs of infection, and the chances of humans getting infected from squirrel interaction are literally slim to none, it's good to know that the Denver Zoo staff are taking things seriously. So if you're dropping by at this time of year, remember the age-old zoo rule: Don't feed the animals - especially the squirrels.