What’s up with the squirrels?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Apparently there was a cat lurking in the bushes below. The squirrels were frozen for upwards of 10 mins. Not sure why they opted to freeze upside down instead of simply running up the tree.

I've seen squirrels do this when a hawk is nearby. They freeze in place so as to not draw attention to themselves.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When squirrels sense danger, they freeze. Sometimes with their bodies flattened against the trunk of a tree.

That’s exactly what they did! It was fascinating to watch. They were easily 16 feet off the ground.

[Anonymous]

So — does this technique work for humans in danger too? I know freeze or flight is a response. Is one safer than the other? Assuming it is circumstance dependent.

What about during an attempted coup?

https://wagingnonviolence.org/2020/08/plan-prevent-trump-election-coup-research/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I saw a few trying to procreate today... maybe it's that time

I was working in my upstairs office and heard something that I swear sounded like someone trying to break into our patio door. It was procreating squirrels having a face off on the deck, knocking into things.

[Anonymous]

A favorite memory of DS when he was a toddler: we were in a park that has a lot of oak trees and squirrels. He tried chasing a squirrel. Squirrels are adept at going to the opposite side of the tree from whatever is following them, so there was DS on one side of the tree staring and the squirrel on the exact opposite side of the tree, both motionless. Sadly, no camera.

[Anonymous]

A squirrel chewed through the fuel line of my car two months ago and caused $1,000 worth of damage. Maybe your squirrels were casing the joint.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A favorite memory of DS when he was a toddler: we were in a park that has a lot of oak trees and squirrels. He tried chasing a squirrel. Squirrels are adept at going to the opposite side of the tree from whatever is following them, so there was DS on one side of the tree staring and the squirrel on the exact opposite side of the tree, both motionless. Sadly, no camera.

We had a similar situation but it did not end well. Child and squirrel in a playful chase and then froze for a moment. Seconds later a hawk nailed the squirrel and then carried to a tree nearby and ate it. Thanks he 3 year old was a mess.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I saw a few trying to procreate today... maybe it's that time

I was working in my upstairs office and heard something that I swear sounded like someone trying to break into our patio door. It was procreating squirrels having a face off on the deck, knocking into things.

Cracked me up. just hope foxes don't come near to do their business, they make a ton of racket!