Arkansas' 24-hour open squirrel season set for this weekend

If you hate tree rodents, this is your weekend.

State of play: Arkansas' annual Big Squirrel Challenge, where participants compete for the heaviest combined weight of a three-squirrel limit, starts Friday at noon and runs for 24 hours.

Details: No registration is required, but hunters must follow the current guidebook.

• Weigh-ins will take place at 12 locations across the state from noon to 1pm Saturday.

Zoom in: NWA locations include the J.B. and Johnelle Hunt Ozark Highlands Nature Center in Springdale and the Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center in Fort Smith.

First and second places will be awarded in four categories:

• Adult — fox squirrels
• Adult — mixed bag or gray squirrels only
• Youth — fox squirrels only
• Youth — mixed bag or gray squirrels only

Of note: Gray squirrels are likely to be found in more densely wooded areas, while the larger fox squirrel is more commonly found along the edges of forests and in more open timber, according to the state Game and Fish Commission.

Threat level: There's a chance of rain Friday in NWA.

Worth's thought bubble: If you see an albino or white squirrel, please let it pass.