CONNECTICUT SQUIRRELS ODD BEHAVIOR

​by Jasmine Brianna Ellison

Squirrels are known for their frantic behavior. However, this year the squirrels daring behavior has escalated; rifling through garbage cans, attempting to get into homes or darting into the streets more than usual.

The reason for the squirrel uprising is due to the surplus of nuts available last summer. The excess food supply created a baby boom for squirrels.

However, circumstances are causing squirrels to take risks they did not resort to in the past.
Due to the reduction in this year’s nut supply, the audacity the squirrels have displayed comes from the crucial responsibility to feed their young. This year squirrels have found alternative ways to feed their families, including disturbing other animals and human food supply.

Unfortunately, this has led to the surplus of squirrels being hit by vehicles in the street. The Farmer’s Almanac reports one motorist confirmed counting 390 dead squirrels in a 50-mile drive to the Massachusetts border.
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The heightened squirrel activity is going to continue through the season. To help avoid hitting the little rascals, simply avoid swerving. Experts say squirrels dart back and forth to confuse predators as a survival mechanism. As our vehicles are interpreted as predators, the solution is to drive in a straight line.
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CITATIONS
1. What’s Going On With All The Dead Squirrels?. The Farmer's Almanac. September 2018.
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