An interesting evening

[ebonlock]

So I went out for my evening walk tonight and was about halfway through it when I met a most interesting little fellow. It was a skinny little baby squirrel making distressed noises and looking entirely lost. Instead of fleeing from me, he huddled near my feet as if for protection and refused to be chased off into the underbrush. I walked a few yards away hoping he'd scramble along on his way. He didn't.

Well what on earth could I do? I couldn't just leave him there right near the road, skinny and frightened. So I took off my sweatshirt and bent down next to him. He leapt into it so I figured that was a sign. I took him home and gave him a slice of bread. He acted like it was manna from heaven.



He made it through a good deal of the slice, until he'd nibble a bit, then start to nod off, wake up and nibble some more. Finally he crawled back into the folds of my sweatshirt, curled up and promptly fell asleep.

I couldn't bring myself to oust him so he's on my front porch right now, curled up absolutely adorably and feeling full and safe for the first time in who knows how long. I figure a sweatshirt is a small price to pay for that. I know I'll sleep better tonight knowing I helped him at least make it through the night. I wonder if he'll still be there in the morning...

Comments

[elo-sf.livejournal.com]

Awww...

[morgandawn.livejournal.com]

so cute - I did a random google on baby squirrels and came up with

http://www.petplace.com/small-mammals/how-to-care-for-orphan-squirrels/page1.aspx

I am certain there is a lot more info out there.

and back to the - cute~!

[ebonlock.livejournal.com]

That was a very helpful link, thanks. Alpha's gotta' be at least 7, but probably more likely 8 weeks old. He definitely looks like a miniature full grown squirrel and he had no trouble at all eating the sesame almonds I gave him this morning. He's also got reasonable climbing skills, I think he's just lacking a little experience.

[razorjak.livejournal.com]

you softy you ...

going to name him Foamy, Pillsy, Hammy(1), Twitchy(2) or one of the other "squirrely" names?

(1) Over the hedge
(2) Hoodwinked

[ebonlock.livejournal.com]

I've mentally dubbed him "Death Goon Alpha", or "Alpha" for short as he got a lot spunkier after he got a little bread into him. He defended that sweatshirt like a trooper.

[razorjak.livejournal.com]

Oh yeah, I linked this one. It was too cute not to share.

[moonlightnrain.livejournal.com]

How in the world did you keep the cats from attacking?

He's adorable... poor thing. Good thing he knows how to spot a kind soul.

[razorjak.livejournal.com]

If they're anything like my cats, they're scared to death of anything a lot smaller than they are.

My monsters will have a go at anything their size or larger. But if it's less than five pounds, they're terrified.

(- Greymane attacked the pitbull belonging to someone a few doors down. But he cowers underneath the clawfoot tub when my folks bring their two lapdogs over. The two of them together is less than HALF of Greymane's weight. -)

[ebonlock.livejournal.com]

The porch was outside and Pye was frantic to get through the screen to check out what mommy was playing with. He whined and cried the entire time but Alpha paid him no attention whatsoever. He was still curled up in a little ball this morning when I went out to check on him.

[lupin-fanatic.livejournal.com]

Awww, how cute. You might have a new pet when I next visit you (can you believe that's only 2 1/2 weeks away???).

Ooops... signed in on the wrong account. :)

[ebonlock.livejournal.com]

Alpha actually wanted very little to do with me this morning so I think a new pet is unlikely. He was much more chipper and lively after his breakfast of bread and sesame almonds so I put him near one of the more nobbly trees in our courtyard and he was busily exploring it when I left.

[lupin-fanatic.livejournal.com]

But he may come visit you from time to time. :)

[tattermuffin.livejournal.com]

When I was young we had squirrels in our backyard that learned that if they climbed on the handrail and pushed the button on the wall (we had a doorbell at both the front and back doors), the back door would open and they could beg for treats. My mother, being the softie she is/was, obliged them and they rang the back bell all winter long. :)

[lupin-fanatic.livejournal.com]

Awwwww. See, Ellie? :)

[tavella.livejournal.com]

I'd suggest bringing him inside -- unfortunately, on the porch he'll be a target for cats.

[ebonlock.livejournal.com]

Yeah I was worried about that but we don't have too many strays in the neighborhood and I live in a gated complex so I figured he'd be safer outside than inside with my two. No where is safe in my place with Pye around.

[aelfsciene.livejournal.com]

I'm sure you locked the kids up somewhere or something, but my god, am I giggling at the image of Pye just losing his shit over this new little guy, and Kage being supremely offended by the interloper.

Hope he'll be ok!

[elenderel.livejournal.com]

Awwww, how totally cute! I'm glad you were able to help the little guy.