Critter Chaos in Michigan: Fur and Feather Related Power Outages

Welcome to Michigan--a state known for its majestic freshwater Great Lakes, cherry blossoms, automotive innovation, and...squirrel-induced power outages. Yep, you read that right. Not a year goes by in the Mitten State that residents aren't plunged into darkness, without heat or air, cable TV, or internet because a critter decided to explore a power station.

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Sure, storms are the usual suspects, but when the skies are clear, and the lights are flickering, you can be there's a furry or feathered culprit at work.

The Usual Suspects: Squirrels & Friends Causing Michigan Power Outages

When it comes to animal-related power outages in Michigan and around the country, squirrels are the undisputed champions. These bushy-tailed menaces account for nearly half of wildlife-related power failures. Imagine an animal that is so dedicated to destruction that the American Public Power Association had to invent a term for it: POCBS (Power Outages Caused By Squirrels). Their mission? Chew on wires, nest in substations, and generally annoy the power companies as much as they do your dog (or your neighbors).

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But let's not lay all of the blame on the squirrels. With their colorful feathers and poor choice in real estate, birds love to play "Let's See What Happens If I Build My Nest In Here and Touch This Wire." Suddenly, it's dark, and you have a craving for KFC. Then there are the raccoons, snakes, and even insects that have caused power issues in Michigan.

The Hunt for the Critter Culprit

When the power goes out, it's not always easy to pinpoint the cause or find the furry or feathered culprit. Sometimes, power company linemen need to play detective, searching high and low through Michigan to find the unfortunate (and usually well-down) animal responsible.

One thing is certain: the cost of animal-related power outages is no joke, with BILLIONS lost each year globally. According to an article published at Nature.org, roughly 13 million Americans lose power annually thanks to critters.

Surprise! The Weirdest Animal Offenders in Michigan and Around the US

Just when you think you've read it all, along comes a slug to remind you that no creature is too small to create a big problem. Yes, a slug once short-circuited an electrical switch in Japan that controlled the country's high-speed train networks, causing the railways to halt abruptly.

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While squirrels in Michigan make us more likely to experience outages, a bear in Butte County, California, once knocked over a utility pole, causing a fire and an outage. It's a wild world out there, but I'll take fried squirrel over charred bear any day.