Q. Have you noticed that there are many fewer squirrels around … and many more rabbits? I’ve asked friends all over town, and they all have noticed it.

A. “There are many influences causing fluctuations in critter populations, too many to allow neat conclusions,” U-M zoologist Philip Myers tells us. Predators, including house cats and hawks, take a toll on the squirrel population, and last year’s hard winter may also have hurt–though “without any real data, it’s impossible to know.” But Myers’ personal observation agrees with yours: “This year certainly was good for rabbits.”

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