Ohio Woman Faces Jail Time For Feeding Squirrels

KETTERING, Ohio – An Ohio woman could serve jail time for feeding squirrels on her neighbors' property.

WDTN-TV reported Annick Richardson of Kettering, Ohio, will appear in court in December for a pretrial hearing on two counts of criminal trespassing. If convicted, she could serve up to 60 days in jail and pay a fine. She was appointed a public defender Friday.

Neighbors said Richardson went onto their property to leave peanuts for local squirrels. The animals, drawn to the nuts, then ruined gardens, chewed through car wires and clogged air conditioners with peanuts, the report said.

"She won't stop," Don DuBon complained. "She won't listen to police. She won't listen to the animal control officer."

One woman said she had to move because her grandson has a severe allergy to peanuts.

"It's the parents' or guardians' responsibility to make sure the child is not going to pick up anything and it's my responsibility not to put any on her side," Richardson said.

She admitted that her squirrel feeding was "excessive" and said in the future that she would "feed them mainly on my property, but I will have a few exceptions."