Ridiculous History CLASSIC: California Schoolchildren and the Great Squirrel War
Mar 28, 2026
A bizarre 1918 campaign recruited schoolchildren to exterminate ground squirrels across California. The story covers wartime propaganda, gruesome methods and rewards offered to kids. It also examines the scale of crop losses, official kill tallies, and how the cull shaped later pest control practices.
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Hosts Share Personal Pest Encounters
- Casey Pegram and Ben Bowlin shared personal infestations: Casey had bats in his attic and recorded sounds to prove it to his parents.
- Ben described living near bats, possums, and squirrels, tying personal experiences to the episode's theme.
California Declared War On Ground Squirrels
- California faced a catastrophic ground squirrel infestation in 1918 that cost farmers about $30 million that year.
- State horticulture commissioner George H. Hecke organized a statewide Squirrel Week to mobilize schools and the public to eradicate the pests.
Use Patriotism And Prizes To Mobilize Participation
- Authorities used patriotic framing and cash rewards to motivate children to participate in pest control.
- Prizes included $50 for top elementary winners (about $800 today), plus $30 and $20 runners-up, which drove enthusiastic participation.