Here at Eastern Kentucky University, “the campus beautiful” is often used to advertise the physical appearance of our campus. While I can agree that our campus is one of the prettiest I’ve ever seen, with growing green space and trees that are absolutely stunning throughout the fall and spring semesters, we have a problem at EKU, a problem that countless other universities face, as well. As the number of students grows alongside the green space, wildlife gains bravery.

Now, while it does make sense that a growing amount of students would increase the amount of dropped food, what doesn’t make sense is why the animals that surround us have decided to pledge war against their human counterparts.

When I was a freshman, I thought it odd that squirrels showed almost no fear when students walked but inches from them. I have had numerous encounters with other squirrels that are directly in my path, simultaneously in the center of the sidewalk that simply refused to move. I find it rude that some of the other students walking in groups would not move when I needed to walk by and thus forced me to walk off the paved path and into the grass, but now I have to accommodate squirrels as well.

One day, walking to get food in the dead of winter, a squirrel was just off my route. I decided to proceed with caution, then all at once the animal was upon me. Perched on the top of my foot, he looked me directly in the eye before I ran from him.

So you see, when they are hungry they will rebel. If they feel threatened or perhaps even bored, they will attack. As of today, there have been no reports of human fatalities on campus caused by a squirrel, but I warn you that the day will come. We must prepare ourselves, as the wildlife does.

For future students, the war on wildlife could be the war to end all wars. Forget "Planet of the Apes," could you imagine "Planet of the Campus Squirrels"? Not only that, but I’m sure the birds will rally with the other animals should a fair negotiation be reached.

I am not suggesting that we grab our BB guns and war paint; I feel that the best solution is to be aware of our surroundings and the disturbance we bring to the environment. Campus construction has already taken away homes for the creatures, our jobs are now to be mindful and respectful of the food we leave on campus.

Perhaps universities around the world will just have to perform a consolidation process as a peace offering. Maybe if we empty some campuses for the squirrels they will come to respect us, but perhaps they will see the human race as weak and attack us in an even more brutal fashion.

It is up to us to find out if we need to meet face-to-face with the squirrel leaders, or if we will let the conflict continue. Only time can tell how this conflict will end, and I pray that I will not be around when that time comes. Future college students: Be brave and step solidly as you are the leaders of tomorrow.