A Colorado School Was Placed On Alert Due To Possible Nearby Gunshots. The Sound Was Actually Caused By a Squirrel

An elementary school in Colorado went into lockdown Tuesday after loud noises—believed to come from gunfire—were reported, but further investigation revealed a squirrel as the culprit.

Douglass Elementary School in Boulder County was placed on secure status just before noon when blasts were heard in the area, prompting concerns for safety, 9 News reported.

However, the Boulder County Sheriff's Office later confirmed the source of the noise was far less threatening. An Xcel Energy employee informed authorities that a mischievous squirrel had likely tripped an electrical fuse, causing the loud sounds that were mistaken for gunfire.

By 1 p.m., the school was taken off secure status, and all activities resumed as normal.

Colorado wildlife has a history of causing unexpected disruptions. In 2022, a squirrel in Larimer County was electrocuted, igniting a small brushfire near Fort Collins. Similarly, in 2016, a squirrel was responsible for a massive power outage in Denver.

Wildlife-related incidents have also led to more severe consequences. Last summer, a "flaming bird carcass" caused two separate wildfires, one of which burned 1,100 acres and destroyed property near Byers. Another fire ignited when a bird struck a powerline and fell into dry brush near Morrison.