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Omaha's Growing Black Squirrel Population Becomes National Focus

Flatwater Free Press explores UNO professor James Wilson's 15-year study of urban squirrels and its growing impact on wildlife research.

  • published: 2025/01/22
  • contact: Bella Lockwood-Watson - Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications
  • email: unonews@unomaha.edu
A black squirrel is seen sitting in a tree and holding a nut.

Photo: Shutterstock

Flatwater Free Press recently highlighted University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) professor James Wilson’s 15-year tradition of studying Omaha's squirrel population. As part of his mammalogy class, Wilson engages students in an annual census that delves into the genetics and ecology of the growing black squirrel population. This hands-on fieldwork has gained national attention and become a cornerstone of wildlife science at UNO.

Wilson’s research also explores the potential thermal advantages black squirrels may have in the winter, contributing to a growing body of knowledge about urban squirrels. The project provides students with meaningful opportunities to contribute to local wildlife studies while examining how humans interact with these creatures in urban environments.

The story’s reach extended far beyond Nebraska, with national publications including U.S. News & World Report and the Associated Press News sharing the research findings.

For a deeper dive into how Omaha became a hub for black squirrel scholarship, read the full story from Flatwater Free Press, or find coverage in U.S. News, the Associated Press, and the Omaha World-Herald.

Read the full article on Flatwater Free Press
Read more on U.S. News
Learn more via AP News
Read the Omaha World-Herald coverage

About the University of Nebraska at Omaha

Located in one of America’s best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.

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