A family of squirrels has infiltrated the dorms, forcing students to camp on the Spine.
With spring in the air and the temperatures warming up, the local squirrels have been spotted scuffing around campus. One squirrel family has found new housing in the Copper dorms, taking full advantage of seasonal student migrations.
The squirrels were first seen on a college tour of UCCS in November 2024, tagging along behind a large group of incoming freshmen. After the tour, they were spotted examining the scaffolding on Copper’s west wall, as if conducting a home inspection.
With students away on break, the squirrels made their big move, carrying small bundles of twigs, leaves and what appeared to be half-eaten granola bars into their new quarters.
The Copper dorms are known for their convenient dining hall access, single bedrooms and kitchen amenities. Witnesses have reported seeing them lounging on balconies, scurrying through open windows and even testing out the recycling bins as additional storage space.
Freshman biology major Tate Foster claims she saw one squirrel dragging a miniature suitcase through the hallways just before break. “It was impressive, honestly,” Foster said. “Like, where do they even get those?”
Housing officials have yet to determine the long-term lease situation for these furry tenants.
A group of students who stayed in the dorms over the break and did not have their rooms infiltrated have started a petition to allow the squirrels to stay, arguing that their presence adds to the campus charm. Other students, particularly those who neighbor the squirrels, remain skeptical due to late-night chattering in the walls.
“I think they just fell in love with the view of the mountains,” said Stongela Arck, associate director of housing operations. “That, and the food dropped by freshman on campus.”
For now, it seems the Copper dorm squirrels are settling in just fine. If there are leftovers from late-night study snacks and an overabundance of students’ trash, they’re unlikely to leave anytime soon.
Editor’s Note: Scribble is the satirical section of the Scribe.
Photo by Trac Vu on Unsplash.