Coincidentally enough, yesterday Boston.com ran an article about squirrels. More specifically the fearless and frisky squirrels that live in Boston Common and will stop directly in front you and make a flying leap onto your leg.
Apparently, over time, the squirrels have not only become used to the constant foot traffic through the park (and the nice little snacks those people toss in their direction), but now have begun demanding attention (and more snacks!). Little squirrel temper tantrums, if you will.
What on earth is coincidental about that, Jenny? Good question.
Well yesterday morning, after a lovely breakfast of eggs, bacon and hash browns prepared by yours truly (we’re clearly concerned about the health of our arteries – or at least the clogging thereof), our friend Liz introduced us to some of her new babies.
Liz, who I should explain works as a very talented veterinary assistant, introduced us the baby squirrels she’s been caring for.
As a kid, you learn that squirrels are dirty! Squirrels are vicious! Not to touch them because they have rabies and you’ll die!
But as soon as Liz said “Wanna hold one?” I was all “Whatever rabies, give me that baby squirrel!”
Because oh my god, can you stand the cuteness?
Tough guy. In women’s sunglass I might add.
These squirrels were absolutely adorable. They were cuddly and sweet and not rabies ridden. Hopefully. At least for Desiree’s sake, because towards the end of our cuddle session, one of ‘em decided to attack her nose just moments after this picture was taken:
Yeah yeah, rabies is no joke, BUT LOOK AT HOW ADORABLE THEY ARE.
I never thought I’d say that about what I used to refer to as “glorified rats”. Now I’m glad I don’t work near Boston Common because I’d be one of those people who gives into their cuteness and spoils them with treats.
I am going to make a terrible parent.
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
Cute..even for rats with fuzzy tails ;)
Glorified rats!! haha.
i like that shirt with the ants and the cupcakes! :)
It’s from Johnny Cupcakes …. check it out http://www.johnnycupcakes.com/
There’s never been a case of rabies documented in squirrels. Quit giving my friends a bad rap.
Well darling, “squirrels are not a primary threat of transfer of rabies, raccoons and
skunks are the most common carriers, but any mammal can carry rabies,
squirrels can and will bite people, so there is a danger, even if perhaps
smaller than with other animals.”
I know my rabies stats. Or at least I can google them. http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/gen01/gen01314.htm
RABIES!
Wow. I do not know how i feel about this. I mean, they ARE cute… but I don’t know if I can ever get past my “don’t EVER touch them!” way of thinking.
In a related story, Chris and I saw some woman speaking Squirrel to a squirrel in Boston Common the other day. She was walking along, then stopped, looked right at the little rat- *ahem*, squirrel-, made clicky-mouth noises, made hand gestures, the whole she-bang. It was CRAZY.
All those guilty of attempting squirrel speak at some point in their lives, please raise their hand…
I get it from my mom.
KKKWEEEEEEEEEKKK
WEEERRRRRRRRRRR
i used to try to mimic the ones that lived in the tree outside my window in allston. we’d chat in the morning.
So freakin’ cute.
Yup, I already know I’m going to be a terrible parent. Seeing the pictures of these squirrels, knowing full well I’d want to feed them, too, further reinforces that.
I break for them, for cryin’ out loud. The other day I nearly had a heart attack because I thought I was going to run one over.
John would shit his pants if he saw this post – he LOVES squirrels. I think I’ll send it to him!!
You should! Seriously, they are so freaking cute. i’m going to be so sad when she has to let them go.
haha, I can’t say i ever tried to speak Squirrel. but I did try to catch one (or a bird, didn’t mater) with an ingenious milk crate/stick/jump rope/bread crumb trap that I invented.
It never worked though. Maybe if I’d been able to speak the language I could have lured them in. Dang it!
Jeannie – make a cake and decorate a squirrel on it ;)
Many years ago, my grandmother had one as a pet. They’d let it loose outside of the house and it would always return. It would run up her, up to her shoulder and just hang out on my grandmother’s shoulders all day. It was fantastic.
It did not like my grandfather, however and bit him on the finger once.
My grandfather spotted him sunning himself on the porch one day and thought to himself; “won’t be biting me again” and swatted the squirrel hard enough to send it flying off the porch. it took off like it had been struck by lightning and never returned.
My grandmother was some ticked off at him. Not that I want to be thinking of my grandparents having sex, but I’m betting he didn’t get any for a hell of a long time.
when old guys blow loads a little puff of spider webs comes out
And someday, Hooker, that’ll be you.
When I was a kid I tried feeding a squirrel and I got bitten. I am alive to tell about it.