LEWISTON — It’s more than a little nuts.

After hearing about the city’s efforts to squirrel-proof its Christmas tree with an electric charge, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals on Friday offered Kennedy Park’s squirrels “a stash of nourishing, squirrel-delighting nuts” to restore the holiday spirit.

Mayor Bob Macdonald’s response: Go for it. Just don’t make a mess.

“The mayor is fine with PETA feeding the squirrels, as is Public Works Director Dave Jones,” said Dottie Perham-Whittier, community relations coordinator. “The current system donated from Modern Pest, however, will remain in place, per Mayor Macdonald.”

Jones asked that PETA not create a nuisance or “leave a pile such that it becomes a litter/waste issue.”

For two years in a row, squirrels have chewed on the city’s Christmas lights, last year prompting them to be taken down days after the Dec. 3 holiday lighting.

Earlier this week, the city took Modern Pest Services up on its offer to install a nearly $1,000 Tree-Shock System at no cost to Lewiston to discourage the squirrels from bothering the lights.

Colton Tlumac, the general manager of the Wildlife Division at Modern Pest, said the zapper system is endorsed by the U.S. Humane Society because it doesn’t harm the squirrels in any way. 

“I can assure you (the shock) is very mild and poses no danger to the animal at all,” Tlumac said.

The letter to Macdonald from PETA President Ingrid E. Newkirk began, “I’d like to offer an opportunity to spread the yuletide spirit to all members of your community regardless of species and cheer up the people who felt their holiday spirit go flat after a recent decision by the city. As squirrels are curious, clever beings, we propose to give them a holiday gift that would keep them away from the tree as well as fill their bellies: a stash of squirrel-friendly foods, such as acorns and other nuts.”

PETA spokeswoman Stephanie Jaffa said the group heard about the story after it was contacted by a member of the media asking for a comment on the newly installed Tree-Shock System.

“Shocking might not physically harm the squirrels, but it’s certainly not kind,” Jaffa said. “We’re hoping our offer will help spread Christmas cheer to all of the residents of the town and encourage people to live in harmony with squirrels and other wildlife.”

She said PETA was “thrilled” to get the go-ahead to feed the rodents and was working out details, such as how many nuts and when.

But the out-of-town buffet may not do as intended.

Tlumac said he wouldn’t recommend feeding the squirrels their own Christmas feast because that wouldn’t deter them from still seeking the cones in the decorated spruce tree.

“Squirrels cache food, they don’t necessarily eat it in one spot,” Tlumac said, “so they would simply take the food and put it in storage places for themselves for winter. So I wouldn’t recommend feeding them to try and deter them from another spot.”

kskelton@sunjournal.com

PETA to Mayor Bob Macdonald

December 11, 2015

The Honorable Robert E. Macdonald

Mayor of Lewiston

Dear Mayor Macdonald,

On behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and our more than 3 million members and supporters, including thousands across Maine, I’d like to offer an opportunity to spread the yuletide spirit to all members of your community regardless of species and cheer up the people who felt their holiday spirit go flat after a recent decision by the city. We understand that resident squirrels have become quite enamored with Lewiston’s Christmas tree and have even gone so far as to “rewire” the LED lights. As squirrels are curious, clever beings, we propose to give them a holiday gift that would keep them away from the tree as well as fill their bellies: a stash of squirrel-friendly foods, such as acorns and other nuts.

This food stash, which PETA would be happy to supply at no cost to the city, should draw animal eyes (and teeth and claws) away from holiday celebrations without causing any harm or discomfort to the animals. And by giving squirrels a tasty Christmas dinner of their own, Lewiston would truly embody the holiday spirit of peace and goodwill to all.

Thank you for your consideration, and happy holidays to you.

Very truly yours,

Ingrid E. Newkirk

President

City response on behalf of Mayor Bob Macdonald to PETA

Mr. Perle:

I am writing to let you know that Mayor Robert Macdonald is fine with the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals’ (PETA) free-of-cost offer to provide nuts and acorns as a deterrence for the squirrels in Lewiston’s Kennedy Park who have been very interested in the City’s Christmas tree holiday lights. Deputy Public Works Director Dave Jones has also weighed in and would simply ask that PETA not create a nuisance in doing so and/or leave a pile such as that it becomes a litter/waste concern.

The Mayor has stated, though, that the Modern Pest recently donated deterrence system will remain, as Modern Pest tested the system as to animal impact, and it is our understanding that the system is a responsible/humane way to both deter squirrels and protect the City’s investment in our tree lights.

Certainly, residents enjoy seeing the lit tree during the holiday season.

Thank you and happy holidays,

Dottie Perham-Whittier

Community Relations Coordinator

City of Lewiston, Maine

Editor’s note: PETA’s letter to the city was sent via spokesman David Perle.