Black Squirrels – Not so much a novelty when you live in Ottawa

Posted on October 23, 2009 
Filed Under The Ottawa House, Valerie Zinger

 When we first moved to Ottawa, we were fascinated by the  black squirrels.  We initially moved to Old Ottawa South.  The first time I saw one of the squirrels (and there are millions), I mistook it for a small kitten running across the road.  Not so much. 

We moved to the Glebe.  In the first winter, we felt sorry for the squirrels and started feeding them nuts and seeds.  My guess is that the neighbours thought we were loco.  Who in their right mind wants more squirrels in the yard?  Well, people from the west who have never seen these little brats.  From time to time squirrels find a way into the attic of houses.  They will locate tulip bulbs and make a snack run ito your flower bed.  Sometimes in the spring, tulips will grow in new areas of the yard.  Why?  Because the squirrels have been carrying the bulbs around and dropping them when they are full or the bulbs too heavy. 

One time, when walking through Patterson Park, a squirrel missed a leap between two very tall trees and fell to the ground.  I was sure that was his end.  Hoover and Tulipe, being alert terriers, were ecstatic about the opportunity to go after the squirrel.  With an amazing 9 lives or more, the squirrel got up, shook itself and then raced back up one of the trees. 

When you move to Ottawa, don’t be surprised at the squirrels and never, never feed them.

 Photo credit:  Black Squirrel @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/quinnanya/2908075386/

Comments

One Response to “Black Squirrels – Not so much a novelty when you live in Ottawa”

  1. sairal kousar on October 15th, 2010 6:17 am

    awww
    they are so cute and they look just like me
    its good to know that their are other things in the world that look like me!!!!

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