In 2023, even woodland creatures aren't safe from systemic racism.

That's right, a new study found that the squirrels in your backyard might actually be avid racists. The study suggested that mostly-white areas have a greater diversity of animals living in the area. Plus, areas with less diversity could have negative impacts on the mental health of their residents.

The study claimed redlining drove woodland creatures out of minority neighborhoods. This doesn't make a ton of sense to me, since redlining is when businesses define areas where they will or will not provide services, like mortgages, insurance, or loans. Plus, it's been illegal since 1968. And I'm also not sure what impact this would have on woodland creatures.

The authors of the study theorized that densely populated areas, roads and railways, nighttime lights, and increased human land use may contribute to the lower diversity of wildlife in non-white neighborhoods. They also argued that the lack of urban biodiversity has led to a complete absence of nature in non-white neighborhoods and a negative impact on residents' overall well-being. The study called for reforms in city planning to include a more "equitable" distribution of nature, which they hope will end racism.

Now, I'm no expert. But this entire study seems to conclude that urban areas don't have a lot of grass. And therefore, don't have many animals, which I thought we all knew and understood. But I guess I thought wrong and it was actually racism the whole time.

The study also seemingly fails to account for people's ability to move. No one is forcing anyone to live in an area lacking in woodland creatures. I personally would like more woodland creatures around where I live, but moving isn't in the cards for me right now. One day, however, I plan to live somewhere surrounded by woodland creatures. And, according to this study, white people, since those two apparently go hand-in-hand.