A quiet Millcreek apartment complex has turned into a crime scene of sorts after neighbors say a dead squirrel was found next to what looked like a blood-stained blow dart, leaving residents shaken and worried about what, and who, might be lurking nearby.
The carcass, later identified by wildlife officials as a fox squirrel, was discovered beside an apartment building by a neighbor who had just gotten home from work and taken his dog out. The sight, residents said, felt both horrifying and completely unnecessary, and it has many of them suddenly thinking a lot harder about the safety of their pets and themselves.
How it was found
Neighbor Corban Anderson told others in the complex that he stumbled on the squirrel and the dart while walking his dog. He did not file a police report, and the apartment complex declined to comment on camera.
People living nearby told reporters they felt “horrified, disgusted and scared for pets and personal safety,” and the Unified Police Department urged anyone with concerns or information to come forward so incidents like this can be documented and investigated, as reported by KUTV.
Past unexplained wildlife deaths in the area
This is not the first strange wildlife incident on this stretch of Millcreek. In May 2024, neighbors near 4500 South and Highland Drive reported finding several dead foxes and squirrels, which prompted calls to wildlife authorities and stirred up fresh anxiety among residents, according to KSL.
Why fox squirrels matter here
The Eastern fox squirrel is not native to northern Utah, and researchers are keeping tabs on its spread because introduced species can reshape local ecosystems. The Natural History Museum of Utah’s Squirrel Fest project encourages the public to report fox squirrel sightings so scientists can map where the animals are establishing themselves in the region. That information helps guide management decisions and public outreach efforts, according to materials from the Natural History Museum of Utah.
Legal and safety notes
Wildlife officials told reporters that fox squirrels are classified as a nonnative, invasive species and that removing them is generally legal as long as local weapons ordinances are followed. The same reporting noted that most squirrel hunting in Utah does not require a permit or special registration, with some exceptions in southeastern counties, in line with state wildlife guidance and as summarized by KUTV.
What residents should do
Police and wildlife officials are asking residents to report suspicious behavior, supervise their pets, and share any relevant photos or videos with law enforcement to help build cases if needed. For now, neighbors say they are keeping a closer eye on nearby green spaces and hoping that anyone who knows more about the blow dart incident is willing to step up and talk.
