Young Black Squirrel
I heard a rustling on my porch the other day, and when I looked out to my surprise I saw a young black squirrel in the ivy on my back deck. I think he was trying to figure out how to get at the bird feeder hanging on the clothesline.
By the time I grabbed my camera and got outside, he was headed for the trees. The best I could do was catch him for the few seconds he was visible in the big old Arbutus tree. Last seen he was heading into the chestnut tree.
We live several blocks from Bowen Park so I don't know if this little fellow just took a wrong turn someplace, but in 12 years he is the first one I have seen.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but seeing a black squirrel is a very bad sign. It means that, if something isn't done to get rid of them now, within 5 years or so they will drive out all the native red squirrels. They raid bird nests and eat the babies, they will get into attics, they are awful!
ReplyDeleteIf they are allowed to multiply they will make the rabbit problem at UVIC look minor in comparison.
If you don't believe me - ask anyone who lives in the lower mainland who is dealing with these squirrels.