Squirrel Sanctuary to Kill Zone: The Downfall of Orinda's Pothole Program

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Orinda's ambitious "Potholes Into Squirrel Bowls" program, initiated by the local advocacy group "Orinda is for Squirrels Too," has been abruptly canceled following a series of tragic unintended consequences. The program, which aimed to provide food and water for the city's squirrel population by utilizing the numerous potholes as feeding stations, backfired devastatingly.

The concept seemed simple and innovative: fill the city's pervasive potholes with birdseed and water, creating easily accessible feeding spots for squirrels. Unfortunately, the reality turned grim. "Who would have known?" lamented Carol Klein, a resident who participated in the program. "I filled up the pothole with birdseed and came back later that night to see a pile of dead squirrels who had been killed by cars while dining."

The program, launched with much fanfare and significant support from local officials, was a testament to Orinda's dedication to its initiatives. "We were so excited about this program," stated local Representative Mark Andrews, who championed the initiative. "It seemed like a great way to attract visitors and address our pothole problem without spending additional funds on road repairs."

Orinda has long aspired to be designated a "Squirrel City," aiming to draw more attention and visitors by promoting a friendly environment for its squirrel population. This program was seen as a step towards that goal, especially in competition with the neighboring city of Lafayette, which has been experiencing significant growth and development.

However, the plan's execution led to unintended consequences. The pavement-based feeding stations became deadly traps, with squirrels being run over by cars as they tried to eat. The situation was exacerbated by the local vulture population, which began to congregate in Orinda to feast on the roadkill. This influx of vultures from surrounding communities created additional problems, including traffic disruptions and unsanitary conditions.

"We never anticipated this outcome," said Andrews. "Someone is suing the city for damage to their car from running over a pile of dead squirrels. Who would have known?"

The city's efforts to mitigate the situation have included removing the makeshift feeding stations and advising residents to refrain from filling potholes with food or water. Orinda officials are now focusing on more traditional methods to address their infrastructure issues while continuing to seek ways to enhance the city's appeal.

As Orinda moves forward, it remains committed to finding innovative solutions that balance its wildlife's needs with its residents' safety and well-being. The "Potholes Into Squirrel Bowls" program serves as a stark reminder of the importance of thorough planning and consideration of potential consequences in community initiatives.

Despite the program's failure, the city is not giving up on its dream of becoming a haven for squirrels. "We are exploring other options to support our squirrel population in a safer, more effective manner," Andrews reassured. "Orinda will continue to strive for solutions that benefit both our wildlife and our community as a whole."

Related Articles:

https://www.localtattler.com/news/ntsb-investigates-high-number-of-squirrel-fatalities-on-orinda-roads
https://www.localtattler.com/news/orinda-pilots-squirrel-crossing-zone-on-camino-pablo-road-amid-mixed-reactions

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