An American city is becoming overrun by ground squirrels. Residents are fighting back
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.