I live with dozens of crazy Squirrels on the property. They are everywhere! I suppose it is to be expected with over 100 Oak trees on the land. They have everything they need: food, water, shelter, other squirrels. It’s a Squirrel Ranch! But there is no managing them. They are free rangers and sometimes they are a real pain. As an example, I had a squirrel that insisted on tearing corners off my shingles on the house! Not a good way for a guest to behave. I risked my neck on the rooftop trimming all branches that allowed squirrels an avenue onto the house. Problem solved. But then they started gnawing on the Sheep Shack, an old, semi-portable shelter I had when I had sheep. Babydoll Southdowns. But that is another story in itself.
Trouncy, pouncy, bouncy squirrels
I’d say the relationship with the Squirrels has been tenuous at best. They are amusing to watch when they are doing crazy squirrels stuff. Remember the Fisher Price Popcorn Pusher for little kiddos? You would push this toy along and it would pop balls up into the air. The balls were contained by a clear plastic dome. Anyway, that’s what the Squirrels are like when things get a bit unsettled between them. They have a definite pecking order and when it is challenged, it is applecart upset to the max!
Crazy squirrels – the ultimate party animal
Have you ever watched two or three Squirrels give chase up and down a tree, and then around the tree and back down the tree? I’m convinced they are moving about 100 mph and running straight down a tree trunk. What is it with those guys. How do they possibly hang on? They must have the power of Grizzly Bears, in a much smaller package.
Truly crazy squirrels – one stuck in my furnace
That reminds me of a story. A squirrel found it’s way into my furnace. It was sitting on the damper ledge. I could see him but when I tried to open the damper – which would have been a BIG mistake stand alone – the Squirrel would dash down the pipe even further. An idea popped into my head. I would remove the damper, cover it with a gunny sac, get some really thick leather gloves and . . . turn the furnace on. Now before you think I was out to roast a squirrel, think again. I simply wanted to force him out of the furnace and offer him an avenue of safety. Everything was in place, it was a good plan (I thought), I mean, what could possibly go wrong? I threw the switch turning the burner on.
Houston, we have a problem
What happened next lasted about 5 seconds. The Squirrel rocketed out of the furnace, up and into the gunny sac! He dove in with such force he nearly knocked that back of the sack open. Perfect. I had the Squirrel confined in the sac. Only problem, Squirrels are really, really strong little critters. I was running up the steps to the back door and this Squirrel was tearing his way out of the gunny sac. There was no stopping him! He got a grip on my glove and was growling. I’m more than a little concerned now.
By the time I was opening the back door, he was peaking out of the gunny sac and I could tell he was not amused. I threw with all my might. The Squirrel, gunny sac, gloves – out into the sky. The Squirrel was out now and hanging on to the gunny sac like it was a magic carpet. It was winter, the snow was fluffy and the squirrel tumbled to a stop in a large drift. Still not happy. The soot-covered Squirrel bolted to the nearest tree and sassed me for all he was worth. I wasn’t sure if I dare go outside until he left. I wanted nothing more to do with him but I sensed he felt the need to settle a score. Crazy Squirrels.
Living with crazy squirrels is an adventure
Despite all their misbehavior, the antics of the Squirrels are quite amusing. They are entertainers. They get themselves in situations. I’ve seen them high in trees and the branch they’re on breaks. There they are in a freefall – but catch themselves on a lower branch. Incredible. All I know is I never could and never will be able to climb a tree like a squirrel. If you see me try, stop me. Please.
Closing
That’s all I have for today. I hope you enjoyed the posting. Give it a little heart if you did! Need to reach me about my photography? Contact Me! Also, be sure to check out the Squirrel Gallery. You’ll find Grey Fox Squirrels, Red Fox Squirrels, Pine Squirrels, and Chipmunks! From me to you, I wish you Peace.
