Social media recently erupted over Town of Excel employees shooting squirrels. A post was made by a resident of Excel alleging that a town employee was aiming a gun onto his property while a child was present.
The uproar was fast and furious.
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Enforcement Officer Lt. Daniel Boutwell investigated the complaints. He stated that one citation was issued to an employee for hunting without a license, but all other complaints did not seem to violate any game and fish regulations.
Excel Mayor Jenny Countryman wanted residents of Excel to know that the town has previously been proactive in dealing with the squirrel population due to the destruction squirrels can cause to a house and also the fire danger squirrels pose.
She stated that homeowners continue to kill squirrels and some ask the town to help eliminate the rodents.
Countryman said the town has honored those requests, as long as the homeowners give permission to kill squirrels on their property.
In November 1982, the town council voted to have a two-day squirrel season to help keep the squirrel population in check. Paperwork provided by Countryman contained a Permit to Kill Squirrels dated Nov. 25, 2009, that gave a local resident permission to kill squirrels within the town limits pursuant to the Nov. 8, 1982 ordinance and an undated document granting the Town of Excel permission to kill squirrels within the town limits of Excel.
Further paperwork provided by Countryman shows approximately 130 squirrels were killed in Excel during the 2019-20 squirrel season
She said that as long as they follow the law, citizens of Excel can continue to kill squirrels.
As to whether the town will continue to kill squirrels, Countryman stated she will listen to the residents of Excel to determine what to do next.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website states that squirrel season began Sept. 14 and ends March 8. A person must hold a valid hunting license to kill squirrels and may only have eight squirrels a day in their possession.
