Jamie Allen is an Atlanta-based writer and multimedia storyteller. His nonfiction, fiction and humor have been featured in The Oxford American, The Missouri Review, McSweeney's Internet Tendency, Atlanta Magazine and others. He is the creator of the Squirrel Census.

Recent Contributions

Its blooms are lovely. But to many, the Bradford pear tree's smell and invasiveness are anything but.

By Jamie Allen

The Indian giant squirrel is covered in flamboyant colors like orange, black and bright purple. But why?

By Jamie Allen

Fall is in full swing and that means squirrels are busy hoarding nuts for winter. So how do they remember where they buried them? Research suggests they use mnemonic strategies.

By Jamie Allen

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These adorable marsupials look as sweet as their name. But what, exactly, are sugar gliders?

By Jamie Allen

There's a lot of conversation around what we should be feeding our backyard hummingbird visitors, so we threw the question, along with others, to an expert.

By Jamie Allen

Your favorite cashmere sweater is super-soft and luxurious. It probably cost you an arm and leg, too. Here's why.

By Jamie Allen

A group of researchers in Shennongjia National Nature Reserve discovered that these female monkeys are essentially happy to feed each other's offspring.

By Jamie Allen

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Perhaps it's a mating signal. Or meant to confuse owls and other predators. Or maybe it's just for looks.

By Jamie Allen

It's a natural phenomenon known as a 'squirrel king.' But what's the deal and why do squirrels get tangled up?

By Jamie Allen

Once you accept squirrels aren't going anywhere, you can apply a more creative approach to keeping the critters away from your prized tomatoes.

By Jamie Allen

Is microdosing LSD just a silly fad or is it time to take a comprehensive look at its potential benefits?

By Jamie Allen

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We don't expect to ever be in a mass shooting. But by assuming the worst can happen, one expert says, we take the first step toward being prepared.

By Jamie Allen

Studies indicate cannabis can help victims of chronic pain without the risk of deadly overdose.

By Jamie Allen

Why do squirrels exhibit behavior that can get them killed by cars? And how can you avoid them?

By Jamie Allen

A massive white oak in the hometown of the University of Georgia has many wondering whether a tree can even have legal rights — and about the future of the environmental and animal rights movements.

By Jamie Allen

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It's already a scary world. Why do we seek to experience more fear?

By Jamie Allen