4 Critters That Caused Power Outages in 2024

Power outages remain a common occurrence across the US. 2024 saw its fair share of outages, due to varying reasons. Animal-related power outages were reported across the country, with some leaving whole blocks, neighborhoods, and even entire cities in the dark for days. Here are the top 4 animals that caused major power outages last year.

Squirrels

Squirrels pose a serious threat to power grids. They can bridge electrical equipment often causing an electrical short and a subsequent power outage. In July 2024, thousands in Rogue Valley (Medford, Talent, and Ashland) were left without power when a single squirrel sipped into an Ashland power station and short-circuited breakers triggering a power outage.

Roof Rats

Like other rodents, roof rats are always looking for things to chew to keep their teeth in good shape. Besides causing attic damage, these rodents can cause power outages by chewing through electrical wiring, leading to short circuits. In December 2024, a roof rat got into a power substation and caused a short circuit at Rider University, resulting in a campus-wide power failure.

Snakes

When snakes climb onto power lines, enter substations, or touch transformers; they can come into contact with energized equipment, leading to short circuits. Last year, residents of Franklin, Tennessee had to contend with power disruptions caused by four different snake incidents in just eight days.

Crows

Birds such as crows remain a major cause of power outages. In 2024, crow-caused power outages were reported in different areas, with some leaving residents in the dark for hours. In October 2024, crows made contact with power equipment in a Southeast Portland neighborhood leaving thousands without power for about an hour.

How Critter Guard Can Help Prevent Animal-Related Power Outages

While squirrels account for the most power disruptions, other animals, such as roof rats, snakes, and birds cause their fair share of problems. This year, take steps to protect your electrical equipment from animal intrusion. At Critter Guard, our wildlife control solutions are designed to keep animals away from electrical equipment without harming them. Contact us today to learn more about our humane wildlife control products.