Squirrel causes $300,000 in damages

A squirrel paid the ultimate price for his curiosity, but not before causing $300,000 in damages to a $1.9 million community center in Indiana.

The Journal Gazette in Fort Wayne reports that a squirrel made its way into the electrical system at the newly renovated complex and caused a massive power surge that damaged three new HVAC systems and some parts of the boiler system. The result: A repair bill totaling about $300,000. The squirrel didn’t survive.

All repairs will be covered by insurance, minus the $50,000 deductible. The center — a former ice arena — will open as scheduled on June 7.

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This isn't the first time a squirrel has caused massive damage, of course. Perhaps the funniest squirrel debacle is this classic tale about a cop's first day on the job, from This American Life. --Catherine Garcia