Thurs. 9 p.m.: Park officials seek hunters to control raccoons, squirrels
CORTLAND – Four local hunters chosen by a raffle conducted by Mosquito Lake State Park officials earlier this month is just one example of how residents are being recruited to help control the animal population.
Park officials said overpopulation of some animals, such as squirrels and raccoons, have disrupted the environment, killed trees and caused complaints by park visitors.
“The dense squirrel population has caused nuts and bark to be stripped from maple trees,” park manager Josie McKenna said.
The lost bark kills the saplings that would have grown into full trees, she said. Officials fear the overpopulation will create an imbalance that will affect both the safety and experience of park guests, the manager said.
Read more in Friday’s Tribune Chronicle.
COMMENTS