Squirrel in the Pumpkin

It was the end of fall, and we put out a pumpkin on the front steps for the squirrels to enjoy.

A large chubby squirrel came up and started eating it. He was not shy, or perhaps he was too awestruck by such a wonderful feast appearing for him out of the blue.

In any case, we slowly opened the front door so only the storm door, a full pane of glass, stood between us and him. We were one foot away as he continued to chew his way thru the pumpkin – to the point at which he was able to sit inside it and eat all around himself.

I’m quite sure this was a highlight in his day, and next few days, and he would probably dream about this many times over. It was truly amazing how much he could eat, and how many seeds that he store-housed all around the front yard.

Every time we would pass the front door, we would look out to see if he was still there, and if the pumpkin was still there.

Then, suddenly, I heard a “clunk.” He hit his head against the glass storm door. There he was, nose against the glass and two hands raised up on the glass. I think he was looking to see if there were other pumpkins inside here, too.

It is very enjoyable watching someone enjoy their food. And the squirrel was certainly “into” his eating.

Perhaps we gained a special friend that day. It was totally charming watching him nibbling away at this huge pumpkin, and seeing up close a fellow creature of earth, in action. Each of us made the other’s day better and happier.

Perhaps you would like to feed a squirrel today, too.