Latest news with #squirrels
The Independent
7 days ago
- Science
- The Independent
The city where ground squirrels might outnumber residents
Minot, North Dakota, is experiencing a severe and escalating problem with Richardson's ground squirrels. The squirrel population in the city, estimated to be tens of thousands, likely rivals or surpasses Minot's human population of nearly 50,000. These prolific burrowers cause significant damage to property, create safety hazards, and can carry diseases, affecting residential and public areas, including Minot Air Force Base. Despite ongoing efforts by pest control experts and city departments, eradicating the squirrels is deemed impossible due to their rapid reproduction and lack of natural predators in urban environments. Control efforts are further complicated by some residents who view the squirrels as harmless and occasionally interfere with trapping or culling activities.
Daily Mail
12-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Hangry beasts are ATTACKING visitors at Yosemite National Park and brazenly stealing lunches
Savage squirrels are running rampant at California 's Yosemite National Park - and they're ready to attack visitors to get their next meal. The wild animals have long been a part of the iconic park, but recently, their aggression has amplified, parkgoers have said. The rodents have been caught being sassy, violent and were spotted snatching snacks and meals on several occasions. The picturesque scenes of the 1,169 square-mile gorgeous park are constantly admired by tourists and locals, but the squirrels are ruining the atmosphere with their wild antics. An online user recently commented on his experience there as he shared his love for the land, but not for the creatures. He wrote on X: 'Yosemite is my absolute favorite national park! Watch out for those squirrels though, some of the most vicious I have ever encountered!' Anya Rose, another park visitor who went there for a trip in May, also warned her Facebook friends of the dangers Yosemite squirrels bring after one bit her. 'FRIENDLY REMINDER::: Don't let the cute, little chubby, 'friendly' squirrels fool you at @yosemitenps,' she wrote alongside several photos, including one of the animal close to her finger. 'This guy took a little nip at my finger. (Yes, went to the ER to make sure I was okay and didn't need a rabies shot - doc said I'll live and don't need anything).' Rose added. Daily Mail reached out to Rose for further comment. A clip posted to X on June 27 showed a chubby squirrel running around as it appeared to be antagonized by a person. Other than injuries from bites and scratches, squirrels are known to carry a litany of diseases, including rabies. The animals can also transmit the bubonic plague, and in some rare cases, their urine and feces can pass on hantavirus - both of which are deadly. While some people might have some chance encounters with evil squirrels, experts have warned that a lack of supervision in the park has really made these animals act out even more. After Donald Trump started to downsize the federal government and its many agencies, including the National Park Service, less and less employees have been on site at parks like the Yosemite to deter people from feeding and bothering animals. Because of the lack of authority and direction, antics have been at an all time high, park employees and regulars have warned. Elisabeth Barton, a founding member of Echo Adventure Cooperative - a tour operator company based in Groveland - echoed this very concern in relation to the uptick in squirrel misbehavior. 'We were just talking about this,' Barton told SFGATE. 'We landed on all the factors you mentioned, and the team all agreed that wilderness literacy is down considerably over previous years.' Speaking on behalf of her and fellow tour guides who are all too familiar with the area and animals that dwell there, Barton said there has been a 'decline in outreach and education' on how humans should treat animals. 'Your squirrel stories don't surprise me this year … people are showing up with zero clue about what's in front of them,' she added. Mark Rose, the Sierra Nevada program manager for the National Parks Conservation Association, has not only heard the nightmarish stories, but has experience them himself. During a trip to Yosemite in June, Rose was confronted by aggressive squirrels while he tried to enjoy a meal. 'I had a similar experience where I was getting lunch with the group, and we kept having to shoo away the squirrels who were coming up to us,' Rose recalled. Although he doesn't think the whole park has been plagued by the startling issue, Rose noticed that two specific spots - Vernal Fall and the Lower Yosemite Falls picnic area - are packed with the angry rodents. 'Without rangers there to supervise, there's a higher likelihood that those animals are going to become adapted to knowing they can get food from park visitors,' Rose stressed. He noted that the opening of campgrounds in the park, which have still been forced to let people in despite staff shortages, are particularly at risk. Because there is nobody truly keeping an eye on campers, food can easily get left behind, which in turn leaves a feast for not just squirrels, but larger animals like bears. Beth Pratt, a regional executive director for the National Wildlife Federation, fears this now common practice could spell trouble for wild animals - euthanasia. She told the outlet she remembers simpler times when it was common practice to feed rodents, but still agrees fewer rangers on the ground can easily drive the trend out of control. 'I worry a lot about the potential impacts on wildlife and people with such a radical reduction in budget for the parks,' Pratt said.
The Sun
06-07-2025
- General
- The Sun
How to keep squirrels at bay AND add a touch of colour to your garden this summer for less than £3
THEY may seem cute with their fluffy tails, but don't let squirrels charming appearance fool you. From digging up freshly planted bulbs to nibbling on fruit, chewing through plant stems, and raiding vegetable patches, playful squirrels can be a gardener's worst nightmare. 2 2 Luckily, protecting your garden from these cheeky pests doesn't have to involve pricey deterrents or harsh chemicals that can ruin your lawn. According to House Digest, planting one type of flower in your garden beds and borders can help keep pesky squirrels at bay. These vibrant, aromatic flowers will not only immediately brighten up your landscape but also emit a scent that this furry animal hates. What's more, there's also no need to fork out a fortune on this plant - as green-fingered Brits can snap up gorgeous marigolds for less than £3. Not only do marigolds boast vibrant golden blooms, but they also emit a potent aroma that squirrels find off-putting. According to experts, this scent interferes with their sense of smell, making it challenging for hungry squirrels to rummage through the garden for their next meal. If you're keen to test this natural method to ward off squirrels, it's best to choose a sunny spot in your garden as these flowers require at least six hours of sunlight daily. For best results - and an epic garden glow-up - sow your seeds approximately six to 12 inches apart and once they've taken root, ensure they're regularly watered. While they can withstand drought, they'll thrive with consistent watering. They also need occasional deadheading to maintain their health. 6 ways to get rid of slugs and snails This affordable flower - retailing for just £2.80 at B&Q - is excellent for strategic planting. If gardeners position them between rows of vegetables or next to fruit-bearing plants that squirrels target, it will keep them protected from the pesky pests. If you're short on space in your garden, marigolds also make fantastic companion plants in pots alongside tomatoes, peppers and herbs. Keep pests out all summer IF you want to ensure that your home is pest free this summer, here's what you need to know. Hornets and wasps - hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay. Moths - acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent. Flying ants - herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents. Mosquitoes - plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mozzies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass. If you feel like you need additional squirrel deterrent planting, it's worth considering other strongly scented plants such as mint or nasturtium. The layering of smells forms a robust barrier against the noses of the furry animal. Another scent, we reported earlier, is using coffee grounds. Pest control expert Jordan Foster said: 'Spread coffee grounds in your borders as squirrels hate the smell of them and will run away and won't come back.' The expert also advised adding water to the grounds, to make sure they stick, and to enhance the odour. Before applying to the whole of your garden, you should test a small area to ensure it doesn't harm plants. Coffee grounds can also be effective at harming other pests, such as cats and rats. Alongside planting deterrents, households should also maintain their garden tidy and free from food leftovers - as these will attract squirrels, rats and mice to consume what they desire.
Irish Times
21-06-2025
- Science
- Irish Times
Eye on Nature: ‘I have found a beautiful queen ... bee in the polytunnel in my garden'
We found these under a tree in St Anne's Park. We were wondering what they were. – Senan, Eoghan and Darragh Quill, Dublin These are the cones of a cedar tree. Squirrels have been eating the seeds contained in the cones and what you found are the stripped remains with just the bottoms of the cones left. They probably ate them during the winter as squirrels do not hibernate, but forage on the ground during bright, dry winter days looking for things to eat. Large carder bee, supplied by Klaus Harvey. For the third year in a row, I have found a beautiful queen moss/large carder bee in the polytunnel in my garden in mid-April. I understand that they are on the Red List of endangered bumblebee species, so I am thrilled that she/they are surviving and hopefully thriving somewhere close by. – Klaus Harvey, Cork Yes, this is indeed a large carder bee, distinguished from the common carder bee by having no black hairs at all on its abdomen (they are all an orangey-yellow). Queens emerge as early as March and build a nest of moss above ground in vegetation. They prefer to visit flowers of the pea family and will visit clover flowers, among others, in search of nectar and pollen. It is described as near-threatened on the 2006 Red List, but the most recent data from the All-Ireland Bumblebee Monitoring Scheme (2024) show that it is still in serious decline nationally. READ MORE Ruby tiger moth, supplied by Michael Fletcher. On April 9th, which was a very warm day, I watched this moth emerge from a cocoon while climbing over rocks on the beach at Ard Forest, Creeslough, Co Donegal. Can you identify it? – Michael Fletcher, Donegal I presume it was you rather than this ruby tiger moth climbing over the rocks on the beach. It overwinters as a caterpillar in a hairy, silken cocoon, emerges to feed for a short while, and then spins a cocoon in which it changes into an adult. This emerges as the first adult generation, flying from April to June. It lays eggs that hatch into hairy caterpillars, which feed on dandelions and docks. Pupation happens soon after and the second generation will be on the wing from July until October. [ Eye on Nature: 'An alderfly is usually found resting in large numbers on waterside vegetation' Opens in new window ] Goldcrest, supplied by Brendan O'Donoghue. I saw this bird that I did not recognise. I got fleeting photos of it. This is the best one, sorry about the quality. Hope you can identify it. – Brendan O'Donoghue It seemed a bit stretched out for a goldcrest, but Niall Hatch of Birdwatch Ireland confirmed that it is indeed so. He says that it is a female, judging by the yellow, not golden, crown-stripe and suggests it is stretching for an insect. It is our smallest bird, weighing a mere 5g. The highest densities are found in broad-leafed and coniferous woods and gardens with good vegetation. It feeds on spiders and small insects and builds its nest under thick cover in conifers or dense ivy. Wild rhubarb, supplied by Mairead Loughman. We are drowning in giant wild rhubarb this year – all over the gardens and hedgerows. Can you advise how to get rid of it? I have tried cutting it back and pouring boiling water over it, but it just grows stronger. – Mairead Loughman This plant – Gunnera tinctoria – is a South American species with huge spreading leaves that can grow up to 2m across. It was originally introduced into Ireland as an attractive herbaceous plant for large gardens, but it has entirely lost the run of itself as conditions here suit it so very well and has become invasive. It leaves bare soil exposed and liable to erosion as it dies back in autumn. Dig it out then. Please submit your nature query, observation, or photo, with a location, via or by email to weekend@
CTV News
14-06-2025
- General
- CTV News
Winnipeg athletic fields may need to be shut down due to burrowing squirrels
Squirrels are free to keep tunnelling through Winnipeg fields, much to the detriment of groundskeepers and city council alike. At its Friday meeting, the city's community services committee learned the province's recent decision to deny the city a permit to use sulphur gas to control squirrel populations marked the first time one of its pesticide applications was given the red light. 'The province said we didn't consider alternatives enough,' said David Domke, parks and open space manager with the city. The city wanted to use the pesticide, called Giant Destroyer, to eradicate ground squirrels from a number of Winnipeg athletic fields, which it said pose a safety risk through the tunnels they create. City officials told the committee they have continued to research what can be done to stop the rodents from burrowing any more. 'We have to deal with it because there are fields that we are looking at closing down right now,' Domke said, noting Fairgrove Park specifically will need to be shut down due to the chasms. He added the city shouldn't bother to appeal, since little can be done to control the animal at this time of year, as the males are now hibernating. However, the females will be active until July. The city had previously used a coagulant poison to control squirrel populations, but it was suspended in 2014 due to safety concerns surrounding dogs and birds of prey. - With files from CTV's Jon Hendricks and Charles Lefebvre
