Power Outage Chaos: Squirrel Shenanigans in Downtown Bend

Picture this: it’s lunchtime in downtown Bend, Oregon. The aroma of gourmet sandwiches wafts through the air, and folks are busy fueling up for the afternoon grind. Suddenly, BOOM! The lights flicker and then—darkness. Over 5,500 Pacific Power customers left in the lurch, all thanks to one furry little bastard: a squirrel.

The Furry Culprit Behind the Mayhem

Yes, you heard that right. A damn squirrel decided it was going to take a little field trip into the substation, and let’s just say things didn’t go according to plan. According to Simon Gutierrez from PacifCorp, this wasn’t just any squirrel—it was the ultimate party crasher. One moment it’s munching on acorns, and the next, it’s sent downtown Bend into a blackout. Talk about a shocking turn of events!

Why Do Squirrels Love Power Outages?

Now, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen this kind of bushy-tailed chaos. Squirrels have been known to cause outages since the dawn of electricity, as if they have some kind of grudge against the modern world. Maybe they’re just jealous of all the buzz we humans get from our gadgets. Whatever the case, these little furballs have a knack for wreaking havoc on our power supply, and it’s getting old fast. Who knew that these cute little bastards could bring a whole city to its knees?

The Aftermath: What Happens Next?

So, what happens when your lunch plans get fried by a rodent? Well, the power outage didn’t just leave folks in the dark; it also shut down schools and courts. Imagine that! Kids getting an unexpected day off because a squirrel decided to play electrical engineer. Parents scrambling to find a babysitter while trying to figure out what to do with their lives for the next few hours. It’s a damn circus!

How to Cope with Squirrel-Induced Outages

Here’s a pro tip: if you live in an area prone to squirrel-induced outages, you might want to keep a flashlight handy or invest in a portable charger. Because let’s face it, when a squirrel goes rogue, you need to be prepared. And maybe, just maybe, keep a can of squirrel repellent nearby—though I’m not sure how effective that would actually be.

Power Companies: What Are They Doing About It?

As for the power companies, they claim they’re on it. PacifCorp is reportedly taking steps to prevent these little critters from making themselves at home in substations. But let’s be real here: can you truly stop a squirrel on a mission? It’s like trying to stop a freight train with a feather—good luck with that!

Humor in the Darkness

But hey, if there’s anything we can take away from this incident, it’s the incredible ability of humans to find humor in the darkest of situations. Just think about it: a squirrel is the reason you’re stuck at home with your kids instead of at work. You can either be furious about it or laugh at the absurdity of it all. I know what I’d choose.

Conclusion: Embrace the Chaos

So, the next time you hear about a power outage caused by a squirrel, just remember: life throws you curveballs, or in this case, furry little projectiles. Embrace the chaos, laugh it off, and maybe give a nod to the squirrel who dared to challenge the grid. Because at the end of the day, it’s just another day in the wild world we live in.

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