[Image courtesy my esteemed colleague and photographer David Ma, posted with much gratitude]

Yesterday, as my aforementioned colleague David was leaving work, I rushed to the parking lot to seek some clarification from him. As we talked, with him inside his car and me outside, this young Fox Squirrel became really interested in trying to join in the conversation. Neither of us had experienced such a high level of interest from a squirrel who came running, only slightly hesitant, across from several feet away and started running back and forth.

The squirrel didn’t appear scared and she definitely seemed interested in sniffing us out to learn more and satisfy her apparent curiosity. I could not resist the urge, a little worried about getting bitten as I was, to put out my finger first and then to just sit down and see if she would come closer.

She never got too close, but she really did want to get close enough, and learn more. We both know feeding wildlife is bad, but it is never too terrible to see if they are hungry. David threw a couple of almonds and I tried to place it close to her, but she was not interested. While I was engrossed in trying to see how far our interaction would go (hoping it wouldn’t end in a bite and an ER visit – no kidding!), David snapped this shot of us trying to interact.

Thinking about the event later, I did appreciate the fact that I did not have my camera, as I would have become obsessed with capturing a sharp image of the squirrel, instead of respecting her advanced in a desire to explore.

So, this marvelous experience appears to have been about a young squirrel who knew very little of us, and wanted to find out who we are. This is why when people belittle other animals, I get irritated. It appears curiosity extends well beyond humans and by itself, is an indication that with curiosity, comes a thirst for intelligence, and that, is a great reason for us to be respectful of all living things around us…

The simple gesture and the experience rendered by the squirrel is truly appreciated as an important lesson in observation and patience.