Summary
Overview
In this episode of No Such Thing As A Fish, hosts Dan, James, and Andy are joined by New Zealand comedian Melanie Bracewell to discuss invasive species control using Selena Gomez Oreos, Victorian sleeping arrangements influenced by energy-draining theories, the remarkable warmth inside daffodils, and revolutionary snot transplants for chronic sinus conditions. The conversation weaves through unusual facts about pest control methods, flower folklore, and surprising medical innovations.
Possums and Selena Gomez Oreos in New Zealand
Mel reveals that New Zealand's Department of Conservation discovered that invasive possums, which threaten native bird populations, have a particular fondness for Selena Gomez's limited edition cinnamon chocolate Oreos. These cookies proved more effective than traditional bait at luring trap-wary possums, though the singer has declined to comment on her product's role in pest control. The discussion explores New Zealand's ongoing battle with 47 million possums and other invasive species, including the ironic history of how these animals were originally introduced for fur farming.
- New Zealand uses Selena Gomez Oreos specifically to trap possums that have become wary of traditional bait
- The cinnamon and chocolate combination in these Oreos has addictive properties similar to drugs, making them particularly effective bait
- There are approximately 47 million possums in New Zealand, originally brought from Australia for fur trading
- Possums were introduced for fur but the trade failed initially; ironically, the exploded population would now support a thriving fur industry
- Australia's powerful owl can disembowel a possum in less than 20 seconds, eating only the meat and leaving the vegetable-filled intestines
" I don't know who she is. I just know she makes a good Oreo. "
" Perfect for podcast listening parties. "
Predator-Free New Zealand and Community Efforts
The conversation explores New Zealand's ambitious Predator Free 2050 initiative and the controversial methods used to engage communities, including children, in pest eradication. A 2022 school challenge had 40 students catch 600 rats in 100 days, with one five-year-old accounting for 60 kills. The team discusses the ethical complexities of encouraging children to harm animals for conservation purposes, comparing it to both psychopathic behavior indicators and necessary environmental action, while also touching on the Beatrix Potter effect that makes hedgehogs harder to control due to their perceived cuteness.
- A school on Stewart Island had a 100-day challenge where 40 students killed 600 rats, with one five-year-old child catching 60 rats
- In 2010, a school was questioned for having children play 'possum tossing' games with dead possums
- The 'Beatrix Potter effect' makes hedgehogs harder to eradicate because people find them too cute to poison, despite them being more destructive than possums
- New Zealand hedgehogs are more numerous than in their native Britain, and there's been a proposal to ship them all back
" That's the thing that they say if a kid is trying to harm animals, that's like the sign of a psychopath. But we're trying to sort of get them to get to that point. "
📚 5 more sections below
Sign up to unlock the complete summary with all insights, key points, and quotes
Get this summary + all future No Such Thing As A Fish episodes in your inbox
100% Free • Unsubscribe Anytime
Sign up now and we'll send you the complete summary of this episode, plus get notified when new No Such Thing As A Fish episodes are released—delivered straight to your inbox within minutes.