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Squirrel Overpopulation: Santa Monica Park's Growing Problem
9 Jun
Summary
- Santa Monica officials urge residents to stop feeding squirrels in Palisades Park.
- An abundant food supply has caused a dramatic increase in the squirrel population.
- Wildlife experts suggest ceasing to feed them will naturally reduce numbers.
Santa Monica city officials are urging visitors to cease feeding the abundant squirrel population at Palisades Park, citing environmental concerns and a dramatic population increase. These native ground squirrels, usually found in cliff burrows, have become accustomed to human handouts.
Wildlife experts attribute the population boom to the readily available junk food provided by visitors. They believe that simply stopping the feeding of these animals will allow their numbers to naturally decline to more manageable levels. Past discussions about potential solutions, like birth control for the squirrels, were explored two decades ago but never implemented.
Concerns have also been raised regarding potential erosion problems, though the direct link is still being assessed. Residents express a moral dilemma about the situation, wanting to protect local wildlife while also addressing the growing issues. City leaders have not yet commented on whether the population has increased since last year, when signs were posted asking people not to feed the squirrels.
