Sightings of Wild Squirrels Covered in Neon Paint Prompt Concern from Conn. Officials

Now that's a squirrel of a different color!

Residents successful East Hartford, Conn., are scratching their heads and rubbing their eyes aft respective sightings of chaotic squirrels painted agleam colors.

The neon-coated animals person besides caught nan attraction of East Hartford Animal Control, which is asking for thief from nan nationalist to fig retired who covered these guiltless chaotic animals successful perchance toxic paint.

"We've gotten a study astir 2 squirrels that look to person been painted successful nan area of Naubuc Ave. and High St," nan agency began its Facebook station astir nan issue, which included 2 photos of nan squirrels, 1 of each animal.

In nan pictures, some squirrels, 1 painted agleam blue, nan different glowing red, look covered successful overgarment from extremity to tail.

"They look to beryllium okay, but we are looking to place who is responsible for this," nan Connecticut animal power agency added. "If you person immoderate information, please telephone our agency astatine 860-291-7572 and time off a message."

Commenters connected nan viral post, which has complete 15,000 interactions, chiefly provided jokes complete information.

"They are utilizing squirrels for gender uncover parties now?" wrote a commentator.

"R u judge that's not conscionable Sonic and his pal, Knuckles?" added another, seemingly referring to Popular video crippled animals Sonic nan Hedgehog and Knuckles.

East Hartford Animal Control confirmed to PEOPLE that nan squirrels were seen live and active, but still painted, connected Monday morning, and that nan agency has not received immoderate further accusation aliases tips since posting its petition connected societal media.

This is not nan first clip a painted chaotic animal has amazed officials. In Oct. 2023, Missouri's Jefferson County Sheriff's Office shared a shocking photograph of a cervid spotted successful a section neighborhood. The changeable shows a cervid wearing a collar pinch nan connection "PET" painted connected its body.

He utilized nan different animal sighting to punctual Missouri residents that "wild animals should not beryllium considered pets."