Why Our Parks Are Full of Squirrels

According to a recent study, squirrels were introduced to green spaces around the country in order to promote "people's health and sanity."

Did you know that the cute, furry squirrels you see in parks were put there on purpose? According to a recent study, squirrels were introduced to green spaces around the country to promote "people's health and sanity."

The study's author, professor Etienne Benson from the University of Pennsylvania, says that all squirrels had been shot or chased away from cities by the mid-19th century. Efforts to establish an urban squirrel population began in 1847 once people realized the need to change their perceptions about beauty in nature and generosity in the community.

They began as small-scale introductions in cities like Philadelphia, Boston, and New Haven. Then people became afraid the squirrels would disturb birds, leading to an insect problem, and so they got rid of them.

Then again in 1870, the interest to give people a taste of the country while in the city was renewed. The squirrel population reached 1,500 in Central Park alone after about 15 years. People related to squirrels better than other animals present as they seemed to actually seek out people's kindness by coming close or holding out their paws.

Specifically, groups like the Boy Scouts encouraged feeding squirrels to teach children kindness. It was said to "cure them of their tendency toward cruelty."