Elderly Man Caught for Hiding Razor Blades in Peanut Butter to Bait Wildlife

Illustration - Shutterstock

A man caught hiding razor blades on a tree trunk under a thick coating of peanut butter has enraged the people of Massachusetts.

According to Metro, the Massachusetts Environmental Police say they arrested 64-year-old Martin Brian McGrath of East Falmouth after they saw him attempting to cover up the planted razor blades with peanut butter in a local park. They believe McGrath was concealing the blade in a bid to harm local wildlife, and perhaps even children.

McGrath baited a tree in Goodwill Park in Falmouth, Massachusetts; his heinous act was even caught on deer-spotting cameras.

After a tip-off in late August, the police, alongside members of the Falmouth Marine and Environmental Services Department, began an investigation into McGrath’s behavior. As per a statement by Falmouth Department of Marine and Environment that was posted on Facebook, McGrath “regularly baited a razor blade with peanut butter in an attempt to attract wildlife.”

Allegedly, the footage captured McGrath “baiting, and then watching trees as unsuspecting animals were lured into the bait-covered razor.”

“Upon observing numerous young children in the vicinity of the razors officers removed the blade.”

Additionally, “officers were able to capture evidence of squirrels in contact with a razor while feeding,” the statement read.

Luckily, a search of the park did not identify any further baiting locations.

WCVB reported further incriminating details from the court proceedings on Sept. 3. “McGrath stated that he put the razor blade in the tree with a pair of channel locks about a year ago. McGrath stated that he did this in order to hang a Cliff Bar to feed the squirrels,” police wrote.

Officers questioned the alleged animal abuser about why he left the blade in the tree and why he continued to spread peanut butter on the trunk to conceal the blade.

McGrath replied: “I don’t know, I just didn’t think about it.”

©Google Map | Goodwill Park

Allegedly, McGrath declined to answer questions on his way out of the courtroom. Records show, however, that he told the investigating officers: “Yes, I feed the squirrels.”

Social media users took to comment on the statement by Falmouth Department of Marine and Environment. Some appreciated the officials for their action on catching him, while others couldn’t believe his actions.

One user wrote: “Great job catching him. How incredibly sad that someone would do that!”

While another commented, “Thank you for catching this demon. I hope his consequences fit his horrific actions.”

A third user wondered why the man did this, writing, “What is the purpose of doing this?”

A fourth one added: “Shows a deeper pathological side...in need of an evaluation before doing serious damage to society”

Illustration - Unsplash | Sonny Ravesteijn

McGrath was arrested on Aug. 31, 2019, and was charged with three criminal violations: animal cruelty, reckless behavior, and injury to public trees and shrubs.

Under Massachusetts law, animal cruelty has been a felony crime punishable by up to five years in prison since 2004.

WCVB reported that McGrath’s punishment was a request for $500 in bail and an order to “stay away from Goodwill Park.”

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