Most power outages in the U.S. are actually caused by squirrels, according to the American Public Power Association (APPA). The association has even developed a "Squirrel Index" system to track patterns of how squirrels impact electricity supplies.
Data shows squirrels are most likely to cause trouble in May-June and October-November each year. Their antics—digging holes, gnawing through wire insulation, or becoming conductors between electrical lines—often lead to outages. These small rodents, despite their seemingly harmless nature, pose a consistent threat to the country’s power grid.
The APPA’s focus on tracking squirrel-related disruptions highlights the unexpected challenges in maintaining reliable electricity. It’s a quirky yet significant reminder of how wildlife interacts with urban infrastructure, making squirrels an unlikely but major player in U.S. power issues.
