Peacock Population Surge Causes Unexpected Power Outages Across Three States
CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE – A sudden explosion in the peacock population across New England has led to a series of unprecedented power outages, affecting over 45,000 residents in New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine since early Tuesday morning. According to the North American Avian Wildlife Service (NAAWS), a combination of an unusually warm winter and an abundance of nesting sites has resulted in a 300% increase in peafowl numbers in the region, with peacocks—known for their vibrant plumage—taking up residence on critical electrical infrastructure.
Authorities report that the birds have been perching on high-voltage transmission lines, causing shorts and fires in substations. The outage, which began at approximately 6:30 AM Eastern Standard Time, has disrupted traffic signals, school activities, and emergency services in rural areas. “We have never seen a migration pattern like this,” stated Dr. Evelyn Hart, lead ornithologist for NAAWS, during a press conference. “The peacocks are seeking warm perches, but their tail feathers are causing direct contact with live wires.”
Utility companies have deployed teams to safely relocate the birds, using drones equipped with non-lethal deterrents. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has launched an investigation into the incident, with preliminary findings suggesting that the outage was a result of natural animal interference. Residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid approaching displaced wildlife. Power restoration is expected to take up to 48 hours, with a full environmental impact assessment scheduled for next week.