White Squirrels In Illinois !!! Olney, Illinois
Â
 Olney was founded in 1841. Olney is known for its population of white squirrels. In 1910 the Illinois legislature passed a law prohibiting the confinement of wildlife, so the original two babies that were found while a man was out hunting one day had to be released into the woods. In 1925 the city passed a law that disallowed dogs from running at large. In 1943 the squirrel population reached its peak at 1000, but now the population holds steady at around 200. In 1997, in an effort to improve the white squirrel population, the Olney City Council amended its ordinance which disallowed dogs and cats from running at large.
  White squirrels have the right-of-way in all streetsin Olney, and there is a $200 fine for running over one. The police department’s badge even has a picture of a white squirrel on it. The white squirrel has proved to be an enduring symbol of olnean pride, and stands as Olney’s most defining feature.
Posted on 3rd July 2008
Under: $200 dollar fine, Illinois, Illinois Legislature, Olney City Council, Olney Illinois, Squirrels, White Squirrel | No Comments »