Squirrels take over WT campus

April 9, 2026

For immediate release

Squirrels take over WT campus

CANYON, Texas - West Texas A&M University seeks to prevent squirrels from taking over the campus.

In March a squirrel interrupted Dr. Patricia Nguyen’s outdoor environmental science lab by knocking over a laptop and running away with half a breakfast taco. After this event, WT administration contacted Panhandle Critter Control to relocate the squirrels.

“Wildlife is an important part of our environment, and I even try to use the natural environment in my labs,” Nguyen said. “Unfortunatelly, I feel that the squirrels have become a distraction from academics. We must all remember that when wildlife becomes accustomed to humans they are no longer a cute distraction.”

Students filmed the incident during the lab, and the video gained over 40,000 views in just 48 hours.

“A viral TikTok in one of my classes was something I never thought would happen,” Nguyen said. “Then I saw the squirrels and the TikTok. The wildlife is taking over and running the campus.”

WT administration expects the relocation process to take six to eight weeks. No squirrels will be harmed in the relocating process, and students are advised not to feed the squirrels in the meantime.

Each report of squirrel mischief is taken seriously” said campus police officer Siren McLights. “We need to know about each incident and appreciate everyone reporting them. While waiting on relocation to a safe place, we must educate people on how to coexist with the squirrels. Thankfully, student services have been extremely helpful in this area.”

Students enjoy eating their lunch outside the Jack B. Kelly Student Center on nice days, but they have begun to complain that they cannot enjoy their food because of squirrels.

“I was just sitting by the fountain studying and enjoying Chick-fil-A when all of a sudden, a squirrel appeared out of nowhere and took one of my nuggets,” said Cindy Cane, junior business major. “The squirrels should be afraid of us, not the other way around.”

About West Texas A&M University

A Regional Research University, West Texas A&M University is redefining excellence in

Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus, as well as the Harrington Academic Hall

WTAMU Amarillo Center in downtown Amarillo. Established in 1910, the University has been

part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT boasts an enrollment of more than

9,000 and offers 66 undergraduate degree programs, including eight associate degrees; and 44

graduate degrees, including an integrated bachelor’s and master’s degree, a specialist degree and

two doctoral degrees. WT recently earned a Carnegie Foundation classification as a Research

College and University. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star

Conference and offers 16 men’s and women’s athletics programs.

—WT—

Copy by Brenna Ware, 806-433-8001, bjware1@buffs.wtamu.edu

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