It's now illegal to feed squirrels in Berkeley parks

BERKELEY, Calif. (KGO) -- As of Wednesday, if you feed the squirrels in parks in Berkeley, you could be fined.

The animals are turning into a big problem for the city, especially at Cesar Chavez Park off the bay.

Officials are worried the squirrels there will burrow into an underground layer of clay, which seals off a former dump, or they could be harmed by food meant for people

It is now illegal to feed the rodents at all city parks.

Violators face fines of $100 after an initial warning period.