The city where ground squirrels might outnumber residents

• Minot, North Dakota, is experiencing a severe and escalating problem with Richardson's ground squirrels.
• The squirrel population in the city, estimated to be tens of thousands, likely rivals or surpasses Minot's human population of nearly 50,000.
• These prolific burrowers cause significant damage to property, create safety hazards, and can carry diseases, affecting residential and public areas, including Minot Air Force Base.
• Despite ongoing efforts by pest control experts and city departments, eradicating the squirrels is deemed impossible due to their rapid reproduction and lack of natural predators in urban environments.
• Control efforts are further complicated by some residents who view the squirrels as harmless and occasionally interfere with trapping or culling activities.

IN FULL

An American city is becoming overrun by ground squirrels. Residents are fighting back