The American Minot nuclear base in North Dakota has been threatened by an invasion of squirrels known to local personnel as "dacrates." These rodents, which have long been a problem, cause serious damage to infrastructure, spread diseases, and threaten the safety of military personnel and their families.

At the same time, the base recently received an 850 million dollar upgrade aimed at strengthening the US nuclear potential. Squirrels reproduce without control — natural predators have disappeared, and effective means of control cannot be used because of the risk to people, including children.

Thus, instead of demonstrating strength and technological superiority, one of the key US nuclear bases looks vulnerable to a pack of small but extremely annoying animals.