At least one eastern fox squirrel — maybe more — caused the closure of two trails in Makoshika State Park for a few days last week as Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials investigated reports of aggressive behavior from the rodents.
On Wednesday and Thursday, multiple visitors at Makoshika State Park reported some squirrels exhibiting unusual and intense territorial behavior to FWP officials after being involved in some conflicts with the animal. The incidents led FWP and Makoshika State Park staff to direct visitors and hikers away from the area between the Hungry Joe and Switchback trailheads, and the Hiatt Amphitheater.
“The behavior was, without a doubt, atypical,” Sabrina Lucero, FWP Region 7 wildlife biologist, said. “We don’t know with complete certainty why this individual squirrel displayed these behaviors.”
Upon responding to the incidents, Lucero was able to obtain video footage from some of the visitors who encountered and reported the aggressive squirrel. She noted a review of the footage was able to help her and her colleagues determine that there was no evidence of dangerous diseases as the cause for the aggressive behavior.
Lucero explained squirrels are not common carriers of rabies or other diseases transferrable to humans, but she did officially rule that out in the interest of public health and safety.
To her knowledge, some of the visitors involved in the incidents with the squirrel sustained minor injuries. According to Glendive Medical Center Director of Marketing and Public Relations Julie Sanders, the hospital did not treat any patients for injuries caused by squirrels related to the recent incidents.
Based on the video, the squirrel also did not appear to show obvious signs of any neurological issues.
“It’s impossible to completely rule this out without examining the issue, but at the moment this appears to be an isolated incident,” Lucero said.
Instead, considering mid-July as a time of the year being when squirrels may have dependent young, Lucero believes it is likely the squirrel was being defensive. While it is possible the squirrel — or squirrels — are becoming habituated as a result of regularly being around humankind or fed by visitors within Makoshika State Park, Lucero did not observe any signs of such during her investigation.
“I think we just had a defensive squirrel that got a little bold,” Lucero said.
The closed trails were completely reopened to hikers on Saturday and Lucero is simply reminding people not to feed wildlife as the chance for habituation of animals in Makoshika State Park is already higher as they encounter people on a regular basis.
Anyone observing unusual or aggressive wildlife behavior while visiting Makoshika State Park is encouraged to give animals space, refrain from feeding or handling them and keep a safe distance.
“Let wildlife remain wild,” Lucero said.
To report unusual wildlife behavior, call FWP at 406-234-0900.