![It’s Squirrel Week in New England: What You Need to Know About These ‘Dangerous’ Creatures](http://townsquare.media/site/699/files/2023/05/attachment-GettyImages-167267329.jpg?w=980&q=75)
It’s Squirrel Week in New England: What You Need to Know About These ‘Dangerous’ Creatures
Editor's note: This article was written by a Townsquare Media Northern New England contributor and may contain the individual's views, opinions, or personal experiences.
In the words of Clark Griswold’s father, Clark Griswold Sr…
Yes, it is officially Squirrel Week. A week aimed at raising awareness about the recklessness and overall dangers of squirrels in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts.
The initiative was organized by Unitil, an electricity provider serving all three states. According to a release, the week will focus on the dangers posed by squirrels and steps that are taken to protect them from power lines.
Per Unitil, squirrels are responsible for over 11% of power outages in the area, thanks to chewing on lines and nesting on equipment. This may be difficult to read, but biting into an electrical line can evil kill a squirrel.
But Unitil External Affairs Manager Alec O’Meara is taking matters seriously, and issued the following statement:
“We’ve taken a proactive approach by installing animal guards and protective gear on equipment, but we all know that wildlife can be both sneaky and persistent, and sometimes animals find ways around these safety measures. Since we live in the most forested region of the country, we have to expect some unfortunate encounters with squirrels and other small creatures. It happens more often than people think and ‘Squirrel Week’ is one way to really highlight the issue and the efforts that are made to keep people and animals safe.”
Personally, I can relate to the nutty hellscape brought on by the squirrels of Northern New England. After all, I’ve been open about my battles with squirrels each Halloween.
On the other hand, I think about how we as people invaded their land long before they took to ours.
So, if you come across a squirrel, rather than "shooing" or even attacking it, let nature take its course. You know - by alerting the Seacoast's roaming family of black bears, or one of Exeter’s lurking bobcats to the presence of said squirrel.
Then, we can sit back, relax, and say…
7 Invasive Insect Species That Can Damage Crops and Other Plants in New Hampshire
People Who Own These Pets In Maine Could Face Jail Time
More From Seacoast Current
![Here’s Why Another Squirrel Apocalypse in Maine Could Be Coming](http://townsquare.media/site/698/files/2023/09/attachment-RS34354_GettyImages-473012660-scr.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Rare Manatee Sighting Captured Off the Coast of New England](http://townsquare.media/site/699/files/2023/09/attachment-IMG_4740.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![WATCH: Tiny Cat Chases Giant Bear Away From New Hampshire Home](http://townsquare.media/site/699/files/2023/08/attachment-IMG_4334.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![100 Bears Have Been Released Back into the Wild in New Hampshire and Vermont](http://townsquare.media/site/699/files/2023/06/attachment-Bear-Escaped.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![This Hilarious ‘Fake Bear’ Scandal Sounds Like Something You’d Find in New England](http://townsquare.media/site/699/files/2023/08/attachment-IMG_4270.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![WATCH: Family of Bears Tees Off on New Hampshire Family’s Putting Green](http://townsquare.media/site/699/files/2023/06/attachment-IMG_3691.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![WATCH: Bear in New Hampshire Breaks Into a Van and Eats a Guy’s Nuts](http://townsquare.media/site/699/files/2023/06/attachment-IMG_3638.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Why New Englanders Need to Take Their Birdfeeders Down Until December](http://townsquare.media/site/699/files/2023/05/attachment-GettyImages-505369168.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![5 Easy Steps to Become a Turtle Crossing Guard in Maine, Which is a Real Thing](http://townsquare.media/site/699/files/2023/05/attachment-IMG_3323.jpg?w=980&q=75)