I'm writing to urge drivers to use caution during the spring months ahead. This is the time of year when baby squirrels are learning the ropes. They run around the streets confused and frightened when confronted with a vehicle. Slowing down and giving a honk to scare the newbies can help teach a healthy fear of the road.
— Andrew D'Onofrio
Asheville
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I totally agree! I can recall a number of times when I actually gave a baby squirrel a talkin’ to to warn him of the dangerous roads. However, I feel it’s the parents responsibility to teach their little ones to heed caution and look both ways when crossing. Maybe the city planners can look into a “CAUTION: Squirrels at Play” sign up?
In my high school driver’s education class my teacher yelled at me mercilessly in front of the class for slowing down the automobile so that a squirrel could cross the road. He said I was putting everyone’s life in danger. I guess the horn would have been a better option. Needless to say, I never did get my license….
Thanks to the letter-writer for showing concern for the other creatures that struggle to survive with man’s encroachment on virtually all habitats. In spite of snide efforts to belittle it, many will appreciate the concern you’ve expressed.
My high screwl drivers education teacher gave bonus points if you hit a bird OR a squirrel!
Ahh, the good ole days when screwls were schools!
If you’re driving attentively and are even passively scanning for things like children and runaway toys (balls, frisbees, etc), cyclists, pedestrians, deer, pets, etc…squirrels are easy to spot and plan for.
I don’t like running over anything, regardless of size. I think I made it through this past decade with only 1 mar on my conscience. I’m hoping I can make it through this decade with a zero-kill count.
You are merely encouraging the breeding of super-squirrils that will evolve to the point where they are stronger than cars and will destroy society as we know it.
Everytime someone hits a squirrel, some poor hawk somewhere in Asheville goes to be hungry.
Everytime someone hits a squirrel, some poor hawk somewhere in Asheville goes to be hungry.
I hadn’t realized squirrel was the primary diet of the war-lovers!
Oh, i don’t mind eating them as roadkill, ken.