A Squirrel in Uchicago Campus

Author: Wenyan Xu

Program of Study: Postdoctoral Scholar at Biological Science Division

Description: In Chicago, squirrels thrive on campus lawns and city streets, darting, eating, and adapting—revealing wildlife’s everyday place in urban life.

 

Welcome to the ELI’s Finding Chicago Global Perspectives Podcast Series for AEPP 2025. I’m your host, Wenyan Xu, and I’m currently enrolled in the University of Chicago’s Biological Science Division.  Today we will explore the topic of Squirrels in Chicago.

When I first arrived in Chicago, one of the most surprising things I noticed wasn’t the tall skyscrapers reaching into the sky or the wide avenues buzzing with cars and people—it was the squirrels. Back in my home country, it is rare to see squirrels in the heart of a city; they usually live deep in forests or large parks, far from the crowded urban center. But here in Chicago, they seem to be everywhere, weaving themselves into the rhythm of city life. They dart fearlessly across parks, chase each other playfully up tall trees, and sometimes even pause to stare back at you with curious eyes. Someone told me that on some days, you might be walking down the street with a bagel in your hand when—out of nowhere—a squirrel swoops in and snatches it away like a tiny thief. On other days, you might spot one perched confidently on top of a trash can, peeling and eating a banana with surprising delicacy, or nibbling on sweet potato chips near a bike rack as though it were enjoying a gourmet snack. What struck me most is that these are not rare or extraordinary moments; they are everyday scenes woven into the fabric of life in Chicago.

I notice that squirrels on campus often look fatter than those in other areas, largely because they have more consistent access to food. On university grounds, I see students and staff frequently eat outdoors, drop crumbs, or sometimes even feed squirrels intentionally. In addition, trash bins and carefully maintained landscaping provide a steady, year-round food supply. This abundance of high-calorie, human-related food allows campus squirrels to gain more weight compared to their counterparts in less crowded or less food-rich environments. Also, because squirrels on campus face fewer predators and enjoy safer habitats (large trees, well-kept lawns, fewer cars), they spend less energy on survival and more on storing fat. Their plump appearance is essentially a sign of how successfully they adapt to human-modified urban settings, but also reminds us that too many squirrels in one area can upset the balance of the ecosystem.

At first, I thought they were simply cute creatures adding charm to the city. But as I spent more time here, I realized that squirrels in Chicago are more than just playful neighbors. They reflect the unique relationship between wildlife and people in an urban setting. So what can we do to live with squirrels more sustainably? First, we should avoid feeding them. Feeding squirrels makes them overly dependent on humans and encourages aggressive behavior. Second, city planners and park managers can help by planting tree species that are less attractive to squirrels, reducing overpopulation in certain areas. Third, community education programs can raise awareness about how to keep squirrels out of attics, gardens, and trash bins in humane ways.

I think the long-term solution lies in creating a healthier urban environment where wildlife and people can coexist without conflict. That means designing parks and neighborhoods with both biodiversity and human needs in mind. It also means that we, as individuals, have a role to play. Next time when you see a squirrel in the park or campus, instead of tossing it a piece of food, you can simply enjoy watching it from a distance. And when you manage your trash or plant a garden, you can take small steps to make the city cleaner and safer for both people and animals.

At last, I want to say that squirrels are part of what makes Chicago special. They are a reminder that even in a big city, nature is never far away. If we treat them responsibly and thoughtfully, we can make sure that squirrels continue to be our lively neighbors without turning into a problem.