WT Introduces Humane Plan to Address Campus Squirrel Activity

West Texas A&M University announced a humane response to increased squirrel activity on campus. They have contracted wildlife experts to safely capture and relocate the squirrels to a nature reserve outside of Amarillo.

Over the recent school year, the squirrel population has grown because of mild winters, expanded green spaces, and unintentional feeding by students. While most incidents have been minor, there have been a handful on social media that have caused concerns among students, their families, and campus officials.

“I’m glad the squirrels are finally being taken care of.” Said James Howeth student at WT.

To fix the issue, the university has partnered with Panhandle Critter Control to humanely capture and relocate the squirrels. The process is estimated to take about six to eight weeks. To ensure safety for the campus community, additional signage has been installed around campus to remind individuals that feeding wildlife is prohibited and dangerous.

The Student Government Association has also stepped in by writing a resolution requesting that the university expedite the timeline and install additional covered outdoor seating to reduce human-squirrel food conflicts.

The university will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates. Community corporation is essential for this process to work. The university asks that no one feed or try to handle any campus wildlife at this time.

About West Texas A&M University

A Regional Research University, West Texas A&M University, is redefining excellence in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus, as well as the Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center in downtown Amarillo. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT boasts an enrollment of more than 9,000 and offers 66 undergraduate degree programs, including eight associate degrees, and 44 graduate degrees, including an integrated bachelor’s and master’s degree, a specialist degree, and two doctoral degrees. WT recently earned a Carnegie Foundation classification as a Research College and University. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offer 16 men’s and women’s athletics programs.

By Mary Vivian Ivey, Reporter for WT, 479 462 9511, mvivey1@buffs.wtamu.edu

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