Q & A: How can squirrels run across power lines without getting hurt?
We've all seen squirrels running across power lines in our neighborhoods or birds perched on top of lines while we're driving down the road. So why is it that they can touch power lines? When squirrels or birds only touch the line, they are not providing a path to the ground for electricity to flow.
However, if they start climbing down the pole, they can get into trouble. If a squirrel still has one of its rear feet or tail in contact with the wire while stepping down to the transformer or pole with its front paw, it will complete a short circuit and allow electricity to flow. This is often how power outages begin and why we use squirrel guards to protect animals.
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