Welcome to Michigan—a state known for its majestic freshwater lakes, cherry blossoms, automotive innovations, and… squirrel-caused power outages. Yes, you read that right. Not a year goes by in the Mitten State that residents aren’t plunged into darkness, without heat or air conditioning, cable TV, or internet, because an animal decided to explore a power plant.
RELATED TOPICS: Michigan’s appalling national ranking for summer power outages
Of course, storms are the usual suspects, but if the skies are clear and the lights are flickering, there may be a furry or feathered culprit at work.
The usual suspects: Squirrels and their friends cause power outages in Michigan
It features a squirrel, a raccoon, a garter snake and a bird. A power substation in Michigan can be seen in the background.
When it comes to wildlife-related power outages in Michigan and across the country, squirrels are the undisputed winners. These bushy-tailed pests are responsible for nearly half of wildlife-related power outages. Imagine an animal so hell-bent on destruction that the American Public Power Association had to invent its own term for it: POCBS (Power Outages Caused By Squirrels). Their mission? They chew on wires, nest in substations, and generally annoy the power companies as much as they do your dog (or your neighbors).
But let’s not blame the squirrels alone. With their colorful feathers and poor choice of land, birds like to play “let’s see what happens if I build my nest here and touch this wire.” Suddenly it’s dark and you’re craving KFC. Then there are raccoons, snakes and even insects that have caused power problems in Michigan.
The hunt for the culprit
A squirrel is electrocuted at a substation in Michigan.
When power outages occur, it’s not always easy to determine the cause or find the furry or feathered culprit. Sometimes, utility technicians have to play detective and scour Michigan to find the unfortunate (and usually badly beaten) animal responsible.
One thing is certain: the cost of power outages caused by animals cannot be underestimated. Billions are lost worldwide every year. According to an article published on Nature.org, approximately 13 million Americans are without power each year because of animals.
Surprise! The strangest animal offenders in Michigan and the entire USA
A squirrel is seen observing the city of Detroit, possibly planning a power outage in the Motor City.
Just when you think you’ve read it all, a snail comes along and reminds you that no creature is too small to cause big problems. In fact, a snail in Japan once shorted out an electrical switch controlling the country’s high-speed rail network, causing the railways to come to an abrupt halt.
RELATED TOPICS: Summer Consumer Energy Prices: Michigan’s Peak Prices
While squirrels in Michigan increase the likelihood of power outages, a bear in Butte County, California, once knocked down a power pole, causing a fire and a power outage. It’s a wild world out there, but I’ll take fried squirrels over a charred bear any day.
The worst summer power outages in America’s cities
Gallery credit: Scott Clow
Tornadoes in 2023: States with the most property damage
Gallery credit: Scott Clow
