https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/14/us/bubonic-plague-squirrel-scn-trnd/index.html
Squirrel tests positive for bubonic plague in Colorado, health officials warn - CNN
(CNN)A squirrel in Colorado has tested positive for the bubonic plague. The squirrel tested positive on July 11 in the town of Morrison, marking the first case of plague in the county this year ...
www.cnn.com
Generally, the prairie dogs carry plague in those parts. (Can't recall if the plague kills more than hawks and snakes...or SUV's...or not.)
Still, rodents gonna do what rodents do...