The pilot of the SkyWest flight apologized to passengers after having to make an "aggressive maneuver" to avoid what he identified as a B-52 bomber near Minot.

"So sorry about the aggressive maneuver, it caught me by surprise. This is not normal at all," the pilot told passengers.

Ground squirrels have proliferated in Minot, North Dakota's fourth-largest city. They've burrowed everywhere from vacant lots to school grounds, residential areas and the downtown area.

An investigation is underway after a near miss between a Delta Connection flight operated by SkyWest and a B-52 near Minot, North Dakota. A SkyWest spokesperson says Flight 3788 from Minneapolis to Minot on Friday was cleared for approach by the tower.

Crowds lined the streets of downtown Minot on Saturday for the annual North Dakota State Parade, a signature event that featured about 200 entries representing civic groups, local businesses, nonprofits and public services from across the state.

An incident involving a SkyWest flight from Minneapolis to Minot on Friday, July 18, is under investigation after a close call with another aircraft. The incident involved SkyWest flight 3788, a Delta Connection from Minneapolis.

Put another way, Minot won't be able to rid itself of the squirrels because the animals have lived on the prairie for centuries. Outside of town, predators like coyotes, badgers, owls and even snakes love to dine on the squirrels.

Groups from all across North Dakota took over Broadway and Burdick in Minot Saturday for the annual North Dakota State Parade.