A squirrel at Mohanlal Sukhadia University in Udaipur has left students and staff on edge after allegedly biting over 18 people in the past month.
The incidents have largely been reported around the Arts College campus, particularly near the Departments of Psychology and Women’s Studies, where people now say they are hesitant to even walk through the area. The situation escalated further on April 22, when the squirrel reportedly attacked two research scholars, adding to the growing concern.
According to Naveen Nandwana, Associate Dean of the College of Arts, attempts were made by the Animal Aid team to safely capture the animal, but they were unsuccessful. Efforts are now underway to bring in wildlife experts to handle the situation and eventually relocate the squirrel to a safer, natural habitat.
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What has made the situation more alarming was the squirrel’s unusual behaviour. Students and staff said it often hid behind curtains and suddenly jumped out to attack, making it unpredictable and difficult to avoid.
The fear had begun affecting daily activities, with some students choosing to stay away from campus altogether, leading to disruptions in regular academic functioning.
Experts suggest that extreme heat conditions could be a contributing factor behind the animal’s aggression. High temperatures are known to increase stress and disorientation in smaller animals, while prolonged hunger can further heighten their tendency to bite.
Meanwhile, authorities are taking precautions. Those injured in the incidents have been administered tetanus injections by the Animal Husbandry Department as a safety measure.
Although the squirrel is yet to be captured, officials have assured that renewed efforts are being made, and they remain hopeful that the situation will be brought under control soon.
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