Even back in 1995, we were writing about 'critters' in our Fiber Optic Lines newsletter.

Many people are unaware that gophers, raccoons, and other critters can cause fiber cuts. These animals chew some of the cable, which clearly can cause Network issues. These issues can be difficult to locate by our Outside Plant team. Normally, the critters won't entirely chew through the cable, but since there is no visible sign above ground, finding a cut can be difficult.

There are two types of fiber installation procedures, each having particular critter difficulties, as was explained in 1995, which are still true today.

• Aerial installation or above ground:
  • The difficulties this method may encounter include: ice storms, cars that accidentally strike poles, or critters that nest in trees or on the cables.
• Underground installation:
  • There are a couple of predicaments with this alternative, as well. First of all, construction equipment has the potential of hitting or damaging the cable. Secondly, critters such as gophers or raccoons gnaw at the cable.

In October 1995, a raccoon damaged the ICN fiber located in a drainage tile near Ogden. The repair cost was $5,816. The price of critter chews has fluctuated throughout time, going up by two, three, or even four times what it was in 1995.

It is hard to predict the next spot a critter will strike, but our team stands ready to defend if a critter is causing mischief.