Nearly 30 years ago, a series of hard-hitting investigative pieces written by a young reporter for the University of Oregon’s Daily Emerald looked into the disturbing problem of “squirrel arrogance.” Squirrels were no longer acting like cute, frisky little nut hoarders – they were ganging up on people and demanding treats. There were dark rumors of muggings… and worse.

Sure, they’re cute, but they’re rodents. And it seems that even now squirrel arrogance is again becoming a scourge in the Eugene area.

I hope the young people now writing for the Emerald are up to the task of digging up the facts on this resurgent and darkly violent trend. Unfortunately, the Emerald has suspended publication for the academic year… so the squirrels are free to run rampant without any journalistic oversight until fall.

Beware squirrel arrogance! Never turn your back on a squirrel, no matter how cute!