A B-52H Stratofortress taxis during an alert exercise at Minot Air Force Base. [Credit: U.S. Air Force/Staff Sgt. Jocelyn Rich, via Wikimedia Commons]
Key Takeaways:
Minot Air Force Base is experiencing a severe infestation of Richardson's ground squirrels, or "Dak-Rats," which are causing damage to base housing and infrastructure.
The squirrel population has surged significantly, more than doubling in recent years to over 10,000, primarily due to a lack of natural predators on and around the base.
Base officials are actively addressing the problem through trapping, consulting with "subject matter experts," and planning extensive mitigation efforts for the fall and spring.
Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota is dealing with a unique but persistent threat—an infestation of squirrels that are damaging base housing and infrastructure.
First reported by online news site Task & Purpose, military officials at Minot AFB are setting up traps to catch the squirrels and bringing in “subject matter experts” to advise on the problem.
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Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.
