Whether you're nuts about fox squirrels, or not so much, researchers say the pesky, acrobatic and apparently loopier-than-normal rodents are here to stay in Salt Lake City.
A few fox squirrels were introduced to Salt Lake City around 2011. Now, researchers believe there are tens of thousands of them.
Researchers at the Natural History Museum of Utah are curious about how these squirrels, which are native to the eastern U.S., are adapting to life in the Wasatch Front and interacting with — or wreaking havoc on — its residents. The museum isto collect more data on the species so researchers can draw better-informed conclusions, according to Ellen Eiriksson, the museum’s citizen science manager.
Evidence suggests fox squirrels were introduced to the region more than 10 years ago, near the Jordan River, although it’s not clear exactly how, Rickart said. It’s likely someone brought them here. Or they hitched a ride on a railcar from California, Idaho or Montana. Fox squirrels are similar in size to rock squirrels, but rock squirrels are more gray, live mostly on the ground, retreat to holes or burrows when threatened, and have a wispier tail.
This can also happen when the animal isn’t eating food hard enough to grind down its teeth — food these fox squirrels are commonly eating in Salt Lake City’s urban environment, like birdseed or peanuts.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The Salt Lake Tribune - Utah News, Sports, Religion & EntertainmentWant to stay caught up on everything happening at the Capitol while the Utah Legislature is in session? We have you covered. All our stories are on this one page for you to browse: utpol utleg
Read more »
Water, Great Salt Lake bills to be unveiled in the Utah State LegislatureHouse and Senate leaders will unveil a series of bills next week aimed at water conservation and the Great Salt Lake.
Read more »
Salt Lake paraclimber has sights set on gold at World Championships this summerA spinal cord injury five years ago took away a Salt Lake City man's ability to walk, but he turned that tragedy into triumph by finding a passion for paraclimbing.
Read more »
What how much schooling you have means for your economic opportunities in Salt Lake CityA newly released study suggests education level is a good indicator of economic opportunity — and the Beehive State's capital city is no exception.
Read more »
Why Utah Republicans want more abortion restrictionsAnti-abortion demonstrators set up a macabre display outside the Utah Capitol Wednesday, with a hearse and a small coffin.
Read more »