Critter Guard has released new statistics on animal-related power outages and causes.
-- Humane wildlife control product developer, Critter Guard, has published new animal-related power outage statistics and causes. Specializing in humane animal control products, Critter Guard provides innovative solutions, including protection for power lines, switches, transformers, and substations.
Power outages caused by animals have become increasingly common in recent years, in line with a growing demand for electricity. The new statistics from Critter Guard highlight the prevalence and impact of incidents caused by local wildlife. In 2023 alone, more than 5.3 million customers were affected by outages. Available data, which covers over 70% of US households, suggests an average of 520 million customer-hours without power.
The effects of animal-caused power outages are significant. More than 50% of participants in the 2023 Uptime Institute data center survey said their most recent or serious power outage cost more than $100,000. During the decade from 2011 to 2021, there were 64% more major power outages than in the previous decade.
The primary offenders are squirrels, birds of prey, snakes, raccoons, and rats. Annually, around 13 million Americans experience a loss of power due to animal-related incidents. Spring is the peak season for animal-caused outages.
The 2025 Critter Guard statistics demonstrate the diversity of animal-caused power outages in the US. In 2023, birds caused 2,500 outages, while in 2024, a snake coming into contact with a transformer caused over 11,700 people to lose power in Virginia. In 2025, an inquisitive raccoon got into a substation, resulting in power outages for more than 2,500 residents in Connecticut.
The financial impact of wildlife-related power outages can be devastating. The Joint Economic Committee estimates that power outages cost the US economy $150 billion per year.
About Critter Guard
Critter Guard is a leading innovator in the field of power outage prevention, which specializes in protecting power lines, switches, transformers, and substations from wildlife. Its three revolutionary products, Line Guard, Pole Guard, and BirdBloc, act as deterrents for animals, such as squirrels, birds, rats, snakes, monkeys, and sloths. These products prevent harm to animals while reducing the risk of power outages dramatically. As animal-related power outages become more common, it’s more important than ever to deter animals to protect local wildlife and prevent disruption and financial losses for residents, organizations, and businesses. The mission is to keep the power on while deterring animals from harming themselves.
Anyone who wishes to learn more about Critter Guard is encouraged to make use of the following contact details:
Contact Info:
Name: John Sims
Email: Send Email
Organization: Critter Guard
Phone: (573) 256-2110
Website: https://www.critterguard.org/
Release ID: 89161054
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