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Tag: Squirrel

  • PETA Offering Reward for Squirrel Kicker Identity

    PETA Offering Reward for Squirrel Kicker Identity

    In a video that went viral online, an unnamed Frenchman was shown kicking a squirrel into the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Now the UK branch of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is offering a $17,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the squirrel-kicker.

    PETA urged anyone with details to relay information to the Grand Canyon’s chief ranger, and calls the man seen in the video a “heartless thug.”

    In the clip, (the original has been deleted from YouTube), a shirtless man is seen setting down crumbs to lure a squirrel to the edge of the cliff, before kicking it into the canyon, while his friend in biker shorts watches.

    Grand Canyon National Park spokeswoman Kirby-Lynn Shedlowski said that rangers have been investigating the video, and have concluded that it appears to have been shot at the Grand Canyon, but when and exactly where is still vague.

    Here is a copy of the clip of the incident:

    If the kicker is caught, he could face a charge of wildlife harassment, which carries a penalty of up to six months imprisonment and a $5,000 fine, Shedlowski said.

    The Frenchmen from the video did not make any new fans on Twitter:

    PETA, founded in 1980, is the largest animal rights group in the world, with over 3 million members and supporters. Its slogan reads, “animals are not ours to eat, wear, experiment on, use for entertainment or abuse in any way.”

    Image via YouTube

  • Squirrel Selfie Goes Wrong For Photographer

    Random fact about squirrels, they don’t like having their pictures taken. One Maine teenager found this out the hard way when he tried to take a selfie with a squirrel he met while taking a hike.

    Seventeen-year-old Brian Genest was visiting Florida to look at colleges when he decided to take a hike in John Chestnut Park near Tampa, Florida. During the hike he noticed a friendly squirrel seated on a handrail.

    Genest approached the squirrel and took out his camera to snap a picture with it. The camera’s flash and noise scared the little squirrel and it attacked Genest. It jumped in his shirt and ran up and down his back before jumping to the ground a scurrying away.

    “He was just in that spot where my arm can’t reach him,” Genest said. “I threw myself on the ground, and that scared him off.”

    Genest’s mother was nearby to help shoo the squirrel away, but made sure she snapped a few photos of her own as the angry squirrel attacked her son.

    Genest was able to get so close to the squirrel by making clicking noises with his mouth. The interested squirrel was willing to let him come a little closer but was not willing to cooperate for a photo shoot.

    Genest’s mother said that she hoped the squirrel attack would be a lesson to Genest.

    “I think he got a little lesson from the squirrel that he’s not really its buddy,” she said.

    She also said that neither Genest nor the squirrel were harmed, but both were shaken up by the other’s actions.

    What do you think of the squirrel attack and the photos?

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Squirrel Causes $300,000 In Damages

    Squirrel Causes $300,000 In Damages

    Squirrels are known for destroying bird feeders and gardens and even scavenging through animal food, but would you ever imagine that one squirrel could cause $300,000 in damage? That is what the owners of the new McMillen Community Center claim happened. The center was supposed to open on June 7 of this year, but now faces setbacks due to the damage.

    The squirrel tried to make its home in the electric system of the center and chewed up many of the wires, causing a power surge that damaged the HVAC systems and damaged some parts of the boiler system.

    Unfortunately, the squirrel did not survive the incident and was found dead in the electrical system. It was likely electrocuted during the incident.

    Luckily, the McMillen park’s insurance will cover most of the damage. The park will still need to pay the deductible fee which is around $50,000. The park officials have also called the HVAC team that built the system and they are hoping to have it reinstalled and repaired in time to open in June.

    The McMillen Community Center is something that residents have been anxiously awaiting. The center will include a track, basketball courts, indoor soccer field and numerous other activities. The entire project is estimated to cost about $4.5 million.

    In addition to offering activities for the community, the center will also serve alcohol and host special events such as concerts, seminars and sporting events. There are strict rules concerning the service and consumption of alcohol at the center and the City Council is still waiting to approve it. The center was built to replace the ice skating rink that was closed in 2009.

    Meanwhile, the center is focusing on getting their repairs made in time and hopefully opening in June as close to the originally planned opening date as possible. They are also thinking of new ways to keep squirrels out of the center and the electrical systems.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Squirrel Causes $300K in Damages in Indy

    A defiant squirrel managed to cause roughly $300K in damages to a new Fort Wayne, Indiana community center that is scheduled to open in June.

    The small rodent infiltrated the electrical system of the newly renovated athletics complex at McMillen Park on April 1st, causing a power surge that destroyed three new HVAC systems, and damaged parts of the boiler system. The squirrel did not survive.

    Squirrels belong to the family Sciuridae of small or medium-size rodents. The family includes tree squirrels, ground squirrels, chipmunks, marmots (including woodchucks), flying squirrels and prairie dogs.

    Here Jeff Lebowski has an encounter with an unruly marmot:

    The squirrels native to Indiana include the fox squirrel, the American gray squirrel, the red squirrel, the Franklin’s ground squirrel, the southern fly squirrel and the thirteen-lined ground squirrel. No word on which type of squirrel caused the power surge. Squirrels instinctively seek warm, dry places to stay, and the McMillen Park electrical array likely appeared to be a good spot to post up for the rodent at the time.

    According to Parks Director Al Moll, the damage will be covered by insurance, minus the department’s $50,000 deductible. Parks Department spokesman Steve McDaniel stated that the company that built the HVAC systems is rushing to replace it so the center can open on June 7 .

    The structure under renovation was originally McMillen Ice Arena, which closed in 2009. The $1.9 million project is converting the arena into a community center hosting basketball, an indoor track and other activities. Large rooms that once held ice rinks will now house basketball courts and indoor soccer fields. The entire project is estimated to cost roughly $4.5 million.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Squirrel $300K Damage Caused in New Community Center

    A squirrel caused about $300,000 in damage to the new McMillen Community Center in Fort Wayne, In., set to open in June, according to officials on Friday.

    Parks Department officials told board members Thursday that the squirrel got into the electrical equipment of the building in McMillen Park on April 1, causing a power surge that damaged the heating and air conditioning systems and some parts of the boiler system.

    The squirrel did not survive.

    Parks director Al Moll said the repairs will be covered by insurance, minus the department’s $50,000 deductible.

    Crews are working to make repairs so the center can open as planned on June 7, and the company that installed the HVAC systems is rushing to replace them, according to the department’s Steve McDaniel.

    The McMillen Ice Arena closed in 2009. A $1.9 million project is transforming it into a community center that will host basketball and volleyball courts, an indoor track, an indoor soccer field, and other activities. It will also have multipurpose meeting rooms.

    The entire project is estimated to cost about $4.5 million.

    In September 2013, Mayor Tom Henry, upon announcing the contractors chosen to renovate the space, said of the new project:

    “I continue to be encouraged by the positive momentum in our City,” said Mayor Henry.

    “The McMillen Community Center is going to be a tremendous investment. City Councilman Glynn Hines and citizens in southeast Fort Wayne have been champions on this effort. We look forward to the entire community being able to use and enjoy this unique and needed destination place,” the mayor said.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Squirrel $300,000 Damage A Shocking Experience

    One moment of silence for a cute little critter that went out with a bang and a second one for whoever is going to have to foot the bill for the damage it caused.

    The new McMillen Community Center in Fort Wayne, Ind. was set to open on June 7th. Formerly known as the McMillen Ice Arena, the building was closed down in 2009 with plans for major renovations.

    It was a nearly five year project that was finally approaching the home stretch in terms of completion.

    Unfortunately for everyone involved, a little squirrel managed to get into the building’s electrical system on April 1st. He clawed and or chewed where he should not have and managed to fry the three new HVAC systems. The electrical surge also partially damaged the boiler system.

    The little squirrel? Let’s just say it’s off gathering nuts in the afterlife.

    Parks Director Al Moll stated that the majority of the damage that was caused is covered by insurance, minus a $50,000 deductible.

    The incident was an unexpected blow to the renovation schedule, but Parks employee Steve McDaniel said that they are going to do their best to stick to the timetable. The company that originally installed the HVAC systems is hurrying to replace the fried ones so that the project can be completed on time.

    About $1.9 million dollars initially went into the process of replacing the ice rink with a basketball court, an indoor track, a space for indoor soccer, and other facilities. Total costs are expected to exceed $4.5 million.

    It’s meant to be a gathering place of persons of all ages and the locals are pretty excited about the new center.

    Alcoholic beverages will be available on the premises, but only for private functions and served by a licensed bartender.

    Perhaps someone will raise a glass for that poor little squirrel who just couldn’t wait to see the finished project.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Look Where This Squirrel Is Hiding His Nuts

    Most of us are battling the insanity that Mother Nature is throwing our way right now, which takes a toll on the old brain after a while. The tension of driving on snow-slicked roads, the worries an ice storm can bring, dealing with no power, and cabin fever can all make us go a little mad in winter. That’s not even to mention how crazy people can get at the grocery store while stocking up on the necessities before a big storm.

    But we’re not the only ones the weather affects; look at the animals around you next time you go outside. Are they running around like something possessed in the snowdrifts like my dog? Or are they hiding their food in another animal’s fur? If you picked the second one, you probably live close to this squirrel, who chose the pelt of a Bernese mountain dog to hide his nuts in. Hate to break it to him, but the dog is totally on to him.

    The video is actually from last year, but it’s making rounds again and has gone viral, probably because we could all use a laugh while old Ma Nature dumps her revenge on us.

    Image via YouTube

  • Ceramic Squirrel Stabbing – Woman Assults Husband

    South Carolina authorities say a 44-year-old woman, Helen Williams, angry at a her husband for returning home without beer on Christmas – beat and stabbed him with a ceramic squirrel.

    Apparently the man, who in reality is her common law husband, returned home without the beer she wanted and she went crazy.

    Sources say he went into the kitchen to make a sandwich when she hit him on the head with the ceramic squirrel. She continued hitting him, landing onto his chest and other areas until he escaped the beating.

    The man fled to a neighbor’s home to call 911, and when officers arrived shortly after midnight — they found him covered in blood with cuts on his shoulder and face, according to the report. When he took off his shirt, they found a big gash in his chest, it said.

    The Charleston County Sheriff’s office said in a report that deputies found a man covered with blood when they arrived at Helen Williams’ North Charleston home early Wednesday. She told investigators the man fell and cut himself, but couldn’t explain why her hands and clothes were also bloody.

    The man was treated at a local hospital for non-life-threatening wounds, NBC station WCBD of Charleston reported.

    Williams was arrested and charged with criminal domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature.

    Image via YouTube

  • Tippy the Squirrel Gains Internet Fame

    We’ve all had those moments. One minute you’re drinking and having a grand ol’ time with your pals, and the next minute you find yourself tumbling head-first to the ground. After expelling the spirits, though, we’re back on our feet and ready to drink some more. In essence, it sort of looks like this:

    On November 25, 2013, YouTube user Honor Via uploaded this video of a squirrel (whom he named Tippy for apparent reasons) struggling to stay upright for more than a few seconds. The video was hidden to the internet due to pre and post Thanksgiving hibernation, but has gained immense popularity over the weekend.

    So much popularity, in fact, that people are now debating why the squirrel exhibits the actions it does. On Reddit, the comments for this video showcase multiple theories, ranging from the squirrel being drunk from eating fermented fruit to the squirrel being affected by parasitic worms in its brain causing balance issues to the ever favorite theory that the squirrel suffers from Myotonia Congenita, or the “fainting disease.”

    Which brings us to the most important question that stems from this video: Which animal is the cutest “fainting” animal? Here are the contestants:

    1) Goats

    Goats are perhaps the most well-known fainting animal. Heck, they’ve even had a National Geographic special aired about their condition. What makes the goat-faint so appealing is how they roll over after they faint due to their momentum.

    2) Rusty the Dog

    While the video looks like it is shot during the 1980’s, one cannot deny how cute and funny it is to see a little weiner-dog fall an entire 2 inches to the ground due to his narcolepsy.

    3) Kittens

    Kittens are universally thought of as the internet’s cutest creatures, so they have an inherent advantage. This particular video doubles the fun, though, by giving us not 1, but 2! fainting kittens.

    4) Fawn

    For some reason, this Bambi faints after being fed. And faints hard. While this fainting-fawn may be cute, the impact of this faint is a little upsetting.

    5) Human

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llmgLi_cJjA

    The wild-card of the group is the fainting-human. The man in this video hopes to being awareness to Myotonia Congenita and show how it can impact humans and not only goats. Due to the serious nature of the video, perhaps it doesn’t belong in the “cute” contest. But, there is a reason why the word schadenfreude exists…

    What do you think, folks? Who is the cutest “fainter?” Let us know in the comments section below.

    [Image via Wikimedia Commons]

  • Officer Fired For Shooting At Squirrel

    Officer Fired For Shooting At Squirrel

    A Tennesee police officer has been fired from his job for his encounter with a squirrel, which–for the squirrel– turned out to be deadly. The incident took place at a Dollar General store in Johnson County, Tennesee. Officer Jody Putnam, formerly of the Mountain City Police Force, was on duty when he found that at a Dollar General store, the employees were needing help with a squirrel. After Putnam’s arrival, it was discovered that a squirrel had somehow found its way inside the Dollar General store.

    According to the police department records, Putman began firing his gun inside the store in attempt to get rid of the squirrel. As if gun shots were not frightening enough, Putnam then began spraying pepper spray at the squirrel. Unfortunately for patrons, the pepper spray was so intense that they too were affected by it and had to exit the Dollar General. Carl Duffield, the owner of the property, commented on the incident:

    “Shooting back there, of course that should not have been. That should not have happened. Then they began to spray it with mace and pepper spray. There was a lot of people that came out […] and they were coughing and a-hacking. It was comical, but I’m sure they didn’t feel that way, the customers that came out.” 

    And to make matters worse, according to police procedure, Putnam was supposed to make a written report after using his gun, as all officers are required to submit a report to a supervisor whenever shots are fired. Putnam was said to have refused completing and submitting a report. Lawrence Keeble, the mayor of Mountain City, read the legal forms stating the reason for Putnam’s termination of employment, which was violation of the police department’s policy. Putnam was fired from the force on October 2nd of 2013.

    Image via News Channel 11