Squirrel Roundup (January 20, 2012)

A look at some recent news stories involving those bothersome, bushy-tailed tree rats.

Squirrels love gun control
Members of the City Council of Chesterfield, Missouri, are obviously pro-squirrel:

The measure would still make it illegal to fire a projectile weapon within 150 yards of a residence in the city. The revised proposal deletes wording that said "to protect crops or other property."

What peace of mind for homeowners in Chesterfield, knowing they cannot even use pellet guns to protect their property from vandalizing vermin.

Tomorrow is National Squirrel Appreciation Day
January 21 is National Squirrel Appreciation Day, and the folks at the Aberdeen Parks and Recreation Department want you to join them for a joyous celebration in the park:

There will be crafts for adults and children as well as useful tips and tricks for dealing with wildlife. The event is free.

My idea of Squirrel Appreciation Day would include activities such as a pellet gun safety training course and a squirrel cook-off, in which local chefs showcase their favorite recipes utilizing the "chicken of the trees."

Talking squirrel puppet reporter
How do you cover a camara-less corruption court case in Cleveland?:

It's courtroom drama crossed with "Sesame Street," as a television station barred from using cameras during a high-profile corruption trial covers the highlights with a nightly puppet show. It stars a talking squirrel "reporter" who provides the play-by-play in an exaggerated, "you won't believe this" tone.

Of course!

Squirrels waging biological warfare
Squirrel-on-squirrel violence in Ireland:

A second case of squirrel pox virus have been founded in Co Wicklow. It is also the second case discovered in the State. The latest red squirrel with the squirrel pox virus was found in Kilmacanogue, on the lower slopes of the Sugar Loaf.

The virus is similar to myxomatosis and is carried by grey squirrels, who appear to be immune to its affects. However, it now appears they are passing it on to the native Irish red squirrel, pictured right, whose numbers are already considered dangerously low.

Long-time readers of this blog know that squirrels dabbling in bio-terrorism is nothing new.

A squirrel that paints?
No, really. This squirrel paints pictures:


Not to brag, but I think my three-year-old has more talent.