The reason behind a large number of power failures in Texas is not storms, thunder or rain. To the surprise of many people, it is the seemingly harmless squirrel. According to a report from the Austin Energy power company in Texas, almost 20 percent of all its power outages are caused by squirrels. The news, published in the Austin American-Statesman, says that the squirrels apparently come into contact with sensitive electrical equipment on utility poles, which can cause 700 area outages a year.

The reason behind a large number of power failures in Texas is not storms, thunder or rain. To the surprise of many people, it is the seemingly harmless squirrel. According to a report from the Austin Energy power company in Texas, almost 20 percent of all its power outages are caused by squirrels. The news, published in the Austin American-Statesman, says that the squirrels apparently come into contact with sensitive electrical equipment on utility poles, which can cause 700 area outages a year.

One Chicago research team has squirrel on the brain. Their new research project focuses on how the little rodents survive in the city. The team had captured and tagged a number of squirrels with collars with cameras to see how they survive and why they do the things they do.

A squirrel managed to escape burns after falling down a chimney and into a lit fireplace at a Two Rivers home, but died later of smoke inhalation. According to Two Rivers Assistant Fire Chief Gary Shavlik, the incident happened Monday night, when the squirrel apparently got curious about the chimney and landed directly in fire burning in the fireplace. The squirrel escaped the fire and ran around the house, Shavlik told the Herald Times.