April 27, 2021

Squirrelly Behavior in Barnaul


Squirrelly Behavior in Barnaul
Let's just hope they don't start releasing moose into the park next (Sorry, Bullwinkle).  Andre Svistunov, unsplash.com

Five squirrels were released from the Barnaul Zoo into a city park this past week as part of an initiative to repopulate wildlife into the urban environment. The fluffy critters were thrilled to explore their new habitat, but perhaps one got a little too carried away. 

It's impossible to say whether this was a personal vendetta (perhaps the journalist was the infamous Boris Badenov?) or if the squirrel just thought that they would be an intriguing obstacle to climb all over; nevertheless, a reporter's iPhone and notepad were taken down in the altercation, as you can see in this hilarious video. Thankfully, both parties were unharmed, and the squirrel scurried off to live a life free of crime. 

Interestingly enough, while most American parks are chock full of squirrels (stocked there in the nineteenth century, so it turns out), this is not always the case in some Russian cities. Prior to this event, there were actually no squirrels in this particular park in Barnaul. 

To help make the new park residents feel more at home, authorities built them specially-designed squirrel houses and feeding platforms, which came stocked with squirrel-friendly dried fruit and nuts. 

It's worth noting that this isn't the first time in recent events that an animal has come after a Russian reporter either. We sense a conspiracy...

 

You Might Also Like

City Spotlight: Barnaul
  • February 21, 2021

City Spotlight: Barnaul

A carjacking museum, Soviet statues, and Hollywood letters: let's take a closer look at one of Russia's best-hidden gems, the city of Barnaul. 
Running Away with the Story
  • April 05, 2021

Running Away with the Story

In Moscow, a Golden Retriever stole the show during a news broadcast — by stealing the microphone. 
Barbies, Oral Health, and Squirrels
  • March 25, 2021

Barbies, Oral Health, and Squirrels

In this week's Odder News, a new Russian Barbie, Russians need to work on their dental hygiene, and squirrels attack in Vyborg.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

At the Circus
January 01, 2013

At the Circus

This wonderful novella by Alexander Kuprin tells the story of the wrestler Arbuzov and his battle against a renowned American wrestler. Rich in detail and characterization, At the Circus brims with excitement and life. You can smell the sawdust in the big top, see the vivid and colorful characters, sense the tension build as Arbuzov readies to face off against the American.

Murder at the Dacha
July 01, 2013

Murder at the Dacha

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin has a problem. Several, actually. Not the least of them is the fact that a powerful Soviet boss has been murdered, and Matyushkin's surly commander has given him an unreasonably short time frame to close the case.

The Little Humpbacked Horse
November 03, 2014

The Little Humpbacked Horse

A beloved Russian classic about a resourceful Russian peasant, Vanya, and his miracle-working horse, who together undergo various trials, exploits and adventures at the whim of a laughable tsar, told in rich, narrative poetry.

Murder and the Muse
December 12, 2016

Murder and the Muse

KGB Chief Andropov has tapped Matyushkin to solve a brazen jewel heist from Picasso’s wife at the posh Metropole Hotel. But when the case bleeds over into murder, machinations, and international intrigue, not everyone is eager to see where the clues might lead.

The Latchkey Murders
July 01, 2015

The Latchkey Murders

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin is back on the case in this prequel to the popular mystery Murder at the Dacha, in which a serial killer is on the loose in Khrushchev’s Moscow...

Woe From Wit (bilingual)
June 20, 2017

Woe From Wit (bilingual)

One of the most famous works of Russian literature, the four-act comedy in verse Woe from Wit skewers staid, nineteenth century Russian society, and it positively teems with “winged phrases” that are essential colloquialisms for students of Russian and Russian culture.

A Taste of Russia
November 01, 2012

A Taste of Russia

The definitive modern cookbook on Russian cuisine has been totally updated and redesigned in a 30th Anniversary Edition. Layering superbly researched recipes with informative essays on the dishes' rich historical and cultural context, A Taste of Russia includes over 200 recipes on everything from borshch to blini, from Salmon Coulibiac to Beef Stew with Rum, from Marinated Mushrooms to Walnut-honey Filled Pies. A Taste of Russia shows off the best that Russian cooking has to offer. Full of great quotes from Russian literature about Russian food and designed in a convenient wide format that stays open during use.

Faith & Humor
December 01, 2011

Faith & Humor

A book that dares to explore the humanity of priests and pilgrims, saints and sinners, Faith & Humor has been both a runaway bestseller in Russia and the focus of heated controversy – as often happens when a thoughtful writer takes on sacred cows. The stories, aphorisms, anecdotes, dialogues and adventures in this volume comprise an encyclopedia of modern Russian Orthodoxy, and thereby of Russian life.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955