The year 2020 is surely to be forgotten for New Yorkers, between the Covid-19 pandemic, confinement, the overflows linked to the Black Lives Matter demonstrations or the snowstorm of December. However for several months, the inhabitants of the city have also been in the grip of… squirrel “attacks”!
Locals fear squirrels
In general, squirrels are known for their pretty bushy tails but also their determination to stock up for winter. However, it seems that in the case of the squirrels in the Rego Park neighborhood of Queens – east of New York City, the drive to collect food has driven them mad. On December 31, 2020, the channel CBS New York relayed the complaints from some residents.
“These squirrels are aggressive and prey on people. One day one of them grabbed the plastic bag I was holding in my hand, another even tried to climb on my leg. I was able to drive them away. It was the first time “, said a local resident.
However, there have already been much worse. A woman was forced to go to hospital for treatment after a bite. The animal would have thrown itself on her at the level of the neck and would have finally emerged victorious from a “terrible fight” in the snow. As for the victim, it was covered in blood on his hands. Another resident testified, claiming that she no longer wanted go out without your spray peppered. She explained that she wanted to be able to defend herself against a possible squirrel attack.
Avoid feeding them
The victim with injured hands went to be vaccinated against rabies as a precaution, but said he was worried about the children in the neighborhood. However, New York health officials said squirrels and other small rodents were rarely carriers of rabies. Health professionals recommend hiring a professional to resolve problems with local wildlife. Moreover – and not only in the United States – many people appreciate the meeting with these animals and even give them food. However, this is just one thing to avoid, according to the New York Department of Parks Management. Indeed, squirrels too used to human contact – and therefore the absence of danger – can potentially become aggressive.
Remember, however, that squirrels are rather intelligent animals. In 2019, US researchers have identified a trick that they use to prevent an imminent threat. Scientists already knew that squirrels and some other animals could respond to alarm calls from birds, themselves accustomed to warning others cash in case of danger, thanks to their whistles. However, researchers have found that squirrels really took the time to listen the “chatter” of birds to ascertain whether or not a threat is present.
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