October 10, 2008: Squirrel mama protects baby
 

http://cellar.org/2008/squirrelbaby1.jpg

What's this? Mama finds a terrible DOG has the baby in its clutches! What to do? Tail up! ATTACK!

http://cellar.org/2008/squirrelbaby2.jpg

EN-GARDE!!! With no fear, mama jumps the beast.

http://cellar.org/2008/squirrelbaby3.jpg

And gives it just enough what-fer to make her a bigger item to deal with. "Hey! GET OFF ME!" With dog distracted, the little one scampers.

http://cellar.org/2008/squirrelbaby4.jpg

And when it's over, mama helps the little one away - while the dog is left wondering... WTF JUST HAPPENED!?

I almost had one give me a what-for. It was hilarious. I was following it along as it was making its way on one of the wires over my yard. I was 'chitchatting' with it the whole time. When it got to the pole it actually scrambled down to the top of the fence to 'talk back' and swish its tail dangerously at me. They are such interesting little creatures.

Reminds me of this story:

http://www.vtwinmama.com/demonic_squ...ding_story.htm

Note to self:

When you see a squirrel with it's tail flat against it's back and legs splayed out, just back away quickly. That sucker's about to strike.

Oh, and by the way UT, this is an outstanding IotD. Really tells a story and is visually striking. Good job.

Awesome.
I wish the mama squirrels around here were that protective....

Just rats with bushy tails, hairy knuckles and bloodshot eyes... but tasty.

That was brilliant. Best IoTD in ages!

@Bruce: I rather like rats. I mean, I don't like them in my house...but domesticated pet rats are wonderful. I wouldn't own one because of the whole pissing-as-they-walk thing, but they're wonderful creatures to watch. Really fascinating.

I keep trying to figure out the dog's intentions. Sometimes a dog will just have fun with something, if it's not hungry. This dog looks to have a nice shiny coat and isn't very skinny. If he's not a pet, he probably lives near a fish processing station or something.

The dog has ears forward. It looks like it might be in the playful crouch, where dogs put their butt in the air and shoulders down. It may just have fun with the baby, or play with it until it squeaks enough to set off a prey instinct.

The dog does look like it's playing. But it also looks dumb enough to play a baby squirrel to death.

Pilau once played a crippled blackbird almost to death *shudders*

Did you say "in the house?"

Way to GO, Momma Squirrel!! Kick the bad doggy's BUTT!! -cheers- ... and should I be concerned with the fact no one's posted a recipe yet??

best eaten raw, none o' that fancy dressing malarkey

great images, UT. the squirrels look pretty darn healthy too, must be a good place to live