Sometime post lunch with taquito in hand, Miss Monkey tosses an experimental bit on the patio for Sir Squirrels. Finding that Sir Squirrels apparently enjoys said taquito (weird), she ventures inside for more options, thinking to bait him even closer to the house. These squirrels I'm already aware are too comfortable around the patio, one in particular venturing up to the window screen itself on more than one occasion. Either they've been fed here before, or they're doing recon as the previous inhabitant's dog moved with them.
Mommin'tuition sets me upstairs as she's making her way outside with three fresh apples. "Um, no, sweetheart, we're not feeding the squirrels fresh food meant for us. I'm not comfortable with them that close to the house anyway, love." Of course, there's a "Why?" and I render a short explanation of rodent cousins and disease.
She finds some stale something or other and ventures back outside. A little while later though I hear a vehement, "NO! STOP IT!!" as if she's speaking to a person. Glancing outside I spy her looking up into the nearest tree with desperation, "GIVE IT BACK! Stop!!" A long streamer of red sparkle yanks up into the tree as she reaches for it. She hops a little in her frustration and confounded with her options. "MOM! The squirrel has my streamer ribbon!"
At first, I'm not really sure what to do, I've no inclination to chase a squirrel to retrieve a dollar store toy, and these are truly natural consequences. (acknowledging gratitude for base of knowledge not to rescue her)
Eventually, after having the streamer revoked Sir Squirrels gnaws other random kid-detritus then retreats. Miss Monkey returns concerned she's contracted some disease having touched what Sir Squirrels mouthed. She takes direction cleaning herself thoroughly and sets about creating a squirrel trap.
The following morning a few hours were totally dedicated to trapping Sir Squirrels. A wire filing rack was converted with mini bungees and fake flower bait, and a rubber duck dog toy (??) for good measure. It was such a great simulation a dear friend actually asked to borrow it!
Always an adventure.
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