Animal control officers in East Hartford, Connecticut, are investigating after two squirrels were found painted in bright neon colors, raising concerns about animal welfare and possible mistreatment.
The incident was first reported near the intersection of Naubuc Avenue and High Street, where residents spotted one squirrel painted red and another painted blue. Despite the unusual coloring, the animals appeared to be unharmed.
“We’ve received a report about two squirrels that appear to have been painted,” East Hartford Animal Control posted on Facebook earlier this week. “They appear to be okay, but we are looking to identify who is responsible for this.”
Photos of the colorful squirrels quickly spread online, drawing both concern and humor. Commenters speculated on the motive behind the stunt, joking about everything from gender reveals to political statements.
“Nothing to see here, just a couple of gender reveal squirrels,” one user quipped. Another added, “Great, now squirrels are getting involved in politics.”
Some responses were more pointed, with one commenter writing, “The gangs are recruiting squirrels now — they’re the only ones not afraid of East Hartford streets,” followed by laughing emojis.
While this case has yet to yield any suspects, it comes amid broader attention to the treatment of wild animals. In a separate high-profile case, the state of New York is facing a $10 million lawsuit over the killing of two domesticated wild animals — P’Nut the Squirrel and Fred the Raccoon — by state environmental and health officials in 2024. The case has galvanized animal rights activists and brought renewed scrutiny to how authorities handle urban wildlife.
As for the painted squirrels in Connecticut, animal control officials are urging anyone with information to come forward. Painting wild animals is not only irresponsible but can also pose health risks to the animals involved.