Squirrels: The Surprising Culprits Behind Most U.S. Power Outages

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.