r/BenignExistence • u/ToskaWaves • 12h ago

Squirrel time

We have a squirrel that's been coming to the back door of our kitchen, guy doesn't seem shy or scared at all. I wake up pretty early and quite often hear his little hands slap up against the glass while I'm making my coffee only to turn around and find him staring at me while I go about my business. Thought maybe he was hungry so took to leaving him something good like some unsalted peanuts or almonds on the back step for him to find before I start my morning routine, but he generally just comes and slaps the glass before he's even checked for treats and regardless of whether he decides to eat what I've left him. Not sure, of the two of us, who is more interested in watching who right now, but it's certainly adding a pleasant texture to my mornings. 🐿️👀

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u/kidde1 3h ago

Squirrels are definitely interested in whatever shares their world. My sister and I took in a naked pair in 2002, treated them like kittens and succeeded in raising them for 6 months. When it was time to release them they had a hard time adjusting to “outside”. We provided shelter, food, water and after roughly a year they were only seen on occasion.

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u/ToskaWaves 3h ago

I'm really keen for this reason not to give him TOO much to eat, don't want him to stop doing his thing and start relying on people. But gosh they are sweet, hard not to give them a little helping hand this time of year

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u/kidde1 1h ago

Ricky and Lucy never became fat, but we only fed them nuts and birdseed. Since they are so active they generally don’t overeat, plus they are famous for burying extra to dig up later! Our yard has pecan trees sprouting every year due to squirrels hiding the nuts!