squirrels – News Stories About squirrels - Page 1

This City Is Battling
a Squirrel Scourge

Jul 18, 2025 1:14 PM CDT

This City Is Battling a Squirrel Scourge

Locals in Minot, ND, have been fighting the rodents for 2 decades, and the humans aren't winning

(Newser) - The Richardson's ground squirrel weighs less than a pound, is about a foot long, and is native to the northern Plains. The little critter also is a ferocious tunneler and is exasperating the folks of Minot, North Dakota, where it's burrowing everywhere from vacant lots to the middle...

With Ranger Numbers Down,
Squirrels Take Over Yosemite

With Ranger Numbers Down, Squirrels Take Over Yosemite

Rodents are becoming a lot more aggressive with fewer staff to discourage feeding

(Newser) - As ranger numbers dwindle in Yosemite National Park, squirrels are boldly taking over picnic spots and hiking trails—leaving visitors fending off persistent rodents and raising new concerns for both wildlife and human health. The park has seen an uptick in aggressive squirrel behavior, particularly in popular tourist spots...

Squirrels Turn Out to Be
Murderous Carnivores

Squirrels Turn Out to Be Murderous Carnivores

For first time, the rodents have been caught hunting, killing, and eating meat in California

(Newser) - Squirrels noshing on nuts is a common sight, but don't be fooled—they're apparently no vegans. Scientists looking into the habits of the California ground squirrel have discovered that the species is actually a bona fide meat eater, "killing and decapitating en masse," as SFGate puts...

Our Narrative
About Leprosy
Just Changed

new study

May 6, 2024 9:25 AM CDT

Our Narrative About Leprosy Just Changed

Medieval squirrels had it, suggesting a possible new origin

(Newser) - Scientists have long believed that leprosy originated with humans, but a medieval squirrel suggests a different possibility. Researchers examined the bones of red squirrels from an ancient furrier, along with the bones of leprosy victims who lived at about the same time in the UK roughly 900 years ago, reports...

For These Firefighters,
It's Squirrel Deja Vu

Apr 11, 2023 12:55 PM CDT

For These Firefighters, It's Squirrel Deja Vu

Critter is freed from manhole cover in Dortmund, Germany, which has experience in this matter

(Newser) - Firefighters say they have freed an “uncooperative” squirrel that was stuck in a manhole cover in western Germany—echoing a similar incident that happened in the same city four years ago. The Dortmund fire department said it was alerted to a distressed red squirrel by a pedestrian Monday afternoon,...

Blame This Guy for Park's Weak Holiday Lights

Squirrels Force Change
of Plans in Holiday Lights

Dec 21, 2021 12:32 PM CST

Squirrels Force Change of Plans in Holiday Lights

St. Paul squirrels like to eat the wiring at a local park

(Newser) - A troop of hungry squirrels has put the kibosh on a downtown St. Paul park's holiday lights display. Friends of Mears Park had to forego the usual display this year because squirrels chewed through the lights' wires last year and the vendor refused to put up with the headache...

There Were No Nuts Under the Tree—and 2 Cars on the Fritz

Her Car Wasn't Acting Right.
Then: 'My Jaw Hit the Floor'

Oct 10, 2019 10:25 AM CDT

Her Car Wasn't Acting Right. Then: 'My Jaw Hit the Floor'

Squirrels hid hundreds of walnuts under hood of woman's car, did a number on hubby's truck

(Newser) - When nuts fall off a tree, they usually accumulate in piles at the tree's base—which is why Chris Persic found it odd that underneath the black walnut tree in the yard of his Pittsburgh home, there were very few walnuts. CBS Pittsburgh reports that mystery was solved this...

Police Praise
Good Samaritan
'Squirrel
Whisperer'

Sep 27, 2019 11:06 AM CDT

Police Praise Good Samaritan 'Squirrel Whisperer'

Mama squirrel sought help for her baby, and Tia Powell complied

(Newser) - Police in Virginia are praising a woman they've dubbed the "squirrel whisperer" for helping out a baby squirrel and its mother, per the AP . In a Facebook post, Pulaski police say officers received a call from a woman who told them a squirrel came up to her on...

Fliers Cheer as Woman,
Squirrel Are Kicked Off Plane

Fliers Cheer as Woman, Squirrel Are Kicked Off Plane

The rodents aren't permitted on Frontier flights as emotional support animals

(Newser) - If you're wondering how on earth a squirrel managed to get onto a plane at the Orlando airport, here's the answer: A woman walked right on board with it Tuesday. USA Today reports the passenger had told Frontier Airlines in advance that she would be bringing an "...

Campus to
Hold Funeral
for Beloved
Squirrel

Mar 23, 2017 3:21 AM CDT

Campus to Hold Funeral for Beloved Squirrel

White-tailed squirrel was said to bring good luck

(Newser) - Spying a glimpse of his snowy white behind was said to bring luck, a good grade on a tough exam, or even just a fun weekend. With news of his death on Monday, the University of Houston plunged into grief, the Houston Chronicle reports. Emotional tributes poured in on social...

Lawmaker Railed
Against Squirrels.
One Fought Back

Nov 23, 2016 6:44 AM CST

Lawmaker Railed Against Squirrels. One Fought Back

'It was like a suicide bomber, getting revenge'

(Newser) - At a city council meeting in October, Chicago Alderman Howard Brookins Jr. gave a heated speech about "aggressive squirrels" chewing through garbage bins at a big expense to the city, reported the Chicago Sun-Times —and perhaps the animals caught wind of it. On Nov. 13, Brookins was riding...

Squirrels Prove It:
Females Do
All the Work,
Guys Goof Off

NEW STUDY

Oct 9, 2016 9:02 AM CDT

Squirrels Prove It: Females Do All the Work, Guys Goof Off

Males appear to spend a lot of time basking in the sun: new study

(Newser) - Science has given tired women everywhere their I-told-you-so-moment, and it comes courtesy of the hapless Arctic ground squirrel: The males of the species appear to spend most of their non-hibernating months soaking up the rays above ground while the females are kept busy either nursing their young below ground or...

Squirrel Hunters Cause Lockdown at Ark. School

Mar 30, 2016 3:44 PM CDT

Squirrel Hunters Cause Lockdown at Ark. School

Teacher saw men with guns

(Newser) - A report of armed men near an Arkansas elementary school led to a campus lockdown before police confirmed the three were actually pest control employees chasing squirrels. A teacher at Gardner STEM Magnet School in Hot Springs saw the men about 8am Wednesday and notified administrators. According to a statement...

Town's
Fundraiser
Doubles as
... Squirrel Hunt?

Town's Fundraiser Doubles as ... Squirrel Hunt?

Fire department's tradition isn't sitting well with animal fans

(Newser) - A fire department in rural upstate New York has an unusual way of raising money to buy new gear—a "squirrel slam." Every year, the Holley department organizes a hunt, sells tickets, and hands out prizes for the best carcasses. ("Reds & grays only!!" says the...