City legends

[Ruso]

Is there any interestind legend that you could share about your city? A legend from your city?

[jazzman]

Black squirrels were imported to Battle Creek MI in the early 1900's by W K Kellogg to control a rat problem concerning Kellogg's corn. Some say he imported them from Europe and others say Africa.

Black squirrels are more aggressive than the common grey and brown variety and soon displaced them. Growing up in Battle Creek in the 60's, seeing both black and grey seemed normal to me. My visiting uncle, from the Chicago area, had never seen a black squirrel and we explained the Kellogg story. He reported to us in the 70's that he saw a Black squirrel in his Chicago-land yard.

They are slowly taking over. I have learned that they have been seen as far west as Kansas and as far east as PA.

On a recent visit to Battle Creek (first time back in 24 years) I saw nothing but black squirrels (not a grey or brown one in sight).

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