THE JUICEPRESS
From Pets to Pests to Planters, Squirrels’ Storied History in Ohio
Squirrels, as it turns out, are more than just cute backyard visitors or mischievous garden invaders; they’re indispensable to our local ecosystems, and have survived a precarious relationship with humans over the past centuries.
During the 18th century, squirrels were the sought-after, beloved companions of many Americans. Fast forward a hundred years, and squirrels in Ohio were so numerous that they had a bounty on their heads. From pets to pests to planters, squirrels have had a unique relationship with humans. Today, beyond serving as a bizarre bragging right for college campuses, they continue to be a crucial part of our ecosystems as seed sowers in wild and urban areas alike.
This article was originally published on www.midstory.org. Read the full story here.
During the 18th century, squirrels were the sought-after, beloved companions of many Americans. Fast forward a hundred years, and squirrels in Ohio were so numerous that they had a bounty on their heads. From pets to pests to planters, squirrels have had a unique relationship with humans. Today, beyond serving as a bizarre bragging right for college campuses, they continue to be a crucial part of our ecosystems as seed sowers in wild and urban areas alike.
This article was originally published on www.midstory.org. Read the full story here.
