Squirrel knocks out power at The Forks

A Winnipeg squirrel's life ended Tuesday with a shock and a shortage.

The squirrel was running along some power lines near the North West Company when itbecame an unwitting electricalconduit, getting zapped while causing a massive shortage.

All buildings at The Forks marketplace lost electricity, as did some traffic lights in the area as well as several businesses along Main Street.

"Our crews responded to the scene and determined the cause was what we'd refer to as a wildlife contact behind 77 Main Street," said Manitoba Hydro spokesperson Scott Powell.

"Itlooks like a squirrel came into contact with the line feeding the area and caused our equipment to trip out."

The power went out at about 11:15 a.m. and came back on just before noon.

The squirrel didn't have such a happy ending.