Do we in NH want to be known as intolerant wildlife bullies, demonizers, persecutors and year-round mass killers of such a beloved native animal as the gray squirrel? No, we do not, so please oppose SB 548, which would allow year-round persecution and slaughter of our gray squirrels. Like so many people, I love squirrels! I’ve always loved watching them and observing their incredible Olympic athleticism. They are endlessly entertaining native animals and delightful neighbors. I grew up and currently live with squirrels all around. Never once have they entered a home I lived in, which is all about proper home maintenance and homeowner diligence. They sometimes eat the heads off of my sunflowers, so what, I love them anyway.
We all know that squirrels help grow forests by spreading seeds. They dig in the soil which is great for soil, plant and tree health. Their activity draws nutrients from life giving soil, to plant and tree root systems. This helps plants and trees to be healthier and more resilient and better able to fight off invasive pests and diseases. Gray squirrels are not ideal hosts for transmitting Lyme and other tick borne diseases, they actually help reduce the chance of humans getting Lyme and other such diseases. And gray squirrels are prey for many predator species and that helps complete the life cycle of healthy forest ecosystems, wherever they live. Contact your state senators and urge them to say yes to gray squirrels and no to SB 548.
Robert Goldman
Newmarket