Council Bluffs, Iowa: Black Squirrels and Purple Martins

Interesting tidbit: Council Bluffs has a city ordinance making it illegal "to annoy, worry, maim, injure, or kill" black squirrels.

Went to this park today on a whim. My wife even said "This is going to be a bust" as we pulled into the parking area. Stepped out of the car and a black squirrel was staring at us from about 10 feet away. It was as if the local Chamber of Commerce released it just as we arrived. Well worth the trip if you are in town.

Council Bluffs is the home of the rare black squirrel. It is illegal here to taunt, maim, kill, annoy or otherwise disturb a black squirrel, and there are legal penalties for those who do so. Everywhere throughout the town you can find logos bearing the image of a black squirrel and other homages to the animal.

P.S. Council Bluffs, IA and Shelby, IA are actually at odds as to which town is the "Purple Martin Capital" of the state. A small group of local CB residents led a public campaign to create awareness of the birds and to take the "Purple Martin" title from the hands of those in Shelby. If you ask me, I think the famed Black Squirrel is enough excitement and fame for one town of 80,000 people.