Squirrels: Rats with Better PR?
Squirrels. You either love them or you’re plotting their downfall. There’s no middle ground. I’ve heard people say they’re “rats with better PR,” and honestly, it’s hard to argue. They’re fluffy, fast, and just mischievous enough to charm their way out of trouble.
If you ask Banner, my resident cat and full‑time backyard security officer, squirrels are rotten little interlopers. He spends countless hours stationed at the glass slider, tail flicking, eyes narrowed, ready to defend his territory. Give him the chance and he’d happily show them who really runs this household.
The Cat Who Cleared the Neighborhood
Shadow, the scourge of the squirrel neighborhood
Before Banner, I had another cat who has long since crossed the rainbow bridge. We lived in a lovely neighborhood full of trees, shrubs, and — you guessed it — squirrels. One day, my neighbor stopped by to thank me for “finally getting rid of the squirrel problem.” I had no idea what he meant until he explained that my fuzzy little companion had been catching squirrels and leaving only the fluffy tails behind.
Horrifying? Absolutely.
Unexpectedly heroic? According to my squirrel‑hating neighbor, yes.
My cat became a local legend — the silent, whiskered vigilante no one asked for but everyone (well, almost everyone) appreciated.
NC’s white squirrel
A Whole World of Squirrels
I’m not sure how many types of squirrels exist, but I know it’s a lot. I’ve seen white squirrels, black squirrels, red squirrels, and the classic grey. Are chipmunks part of the squirrel family? I think so. I once read there are more than 278 species, which feels like at least 200 too many if you ask the power companies.
Vancouver BC- black squirrel
Speaking of which — squirrels have knocked out the power grid more times than hackers ever have. One wrong leap and suddenly half the neighborhood is sitting in the dark, wondering why they can hear birds but not the TV.
Rare photo of Florida Squirrel
Squirrel Shenanigans & Forest Drama
Squirrels are also victims of petty theft. About 25% of their buried nuts get stolen — often by other squirrels. No honor among woodland thieves.
And then there’s the bird feeder drama. The acrobatics, the scolding, the dramatic falls. It’s like watching a tiny, furry soap opera unfold in real time. Banner watches with the intensity of someone who believes he could fix the entire situation if only I’d open the door.
Alaskan Squirrel
I’m Team Squirrel (Mostly)
Despite the chaos, I like squirrels. Their forgotten nuts grow into trees. Their antics make me laugh. And they’re great for photos — my camera loves them almost as much as Banner hates them.
So here’s to squirrels: the forest’s fuzzy little troublemakers. May your power stay on, your bird feeders survive, and your pets remain convinced they’re the true rulers of the backyard.
Squirrels are nosey little pests. They are also very entertaining. I watch them every day chase each other around the yard and trees. I also have a red squirrel that has been keeping things hopping around here. The little red squirrel if truly a comic. He is very funny to watch and enjoy. Even the birds get in on the entertaining. Never a duel moment with them around. At least I don’t have to have those pesky chipmunks when there is snow on the ground. It is about 10 degrees out side and The squirrels are waiting for more peanuts. I am in no hurry to go out and put more peanuts in the tray. Have a good day .
They have really been tormenting Banner lately either that or he’s bored being cooped up with windows closed. Anyway He’s been running from the window in the bedroom back to the slider in the living room and almost crashing into it while a silly squirrel either sits on a tree branch or runs along the top of the fence. I like squirrels for the most part but do understand that in addition to raiding bird feeders they can do a lot of damage to wires and insulation. This was supposed to be my post for Jan 4 but I hit publish instead of schedule so you got a double does today LOL