Comments on: Why I Still Love the Squirrels Who Ruined My Truck

By: Truck Donation to Charity Motors for WRR

Truck Donation to Charity Motors for WRR — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 05:12:21 +0000

[...] on the day I donated it to Charity Motors. That was March 31, 2010. To recap, I discovered that my truck had been chosen as a winter hangout for squirrels. The squirrels ate both acorns and electrical wiring during the few months of cold we had in North [...]

By: Amber Coakley

Amber Coakley — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 07:54:56 +0000

Susan, this is one of the nicest comments I have had – thank you so much! As for teaching children…nothing formally. However, I will be co-leading a series of spring walks through a nearby forest, sponsored by the city. I hope to have children in the mix – it is so fun to watch their faces when they see something in the woods for the first time. I am grooming my niece to be a little naturalist too!

By: Amber Coakley

Amber Coakley — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 07:45:56 +0000

I can’t believe I missed your nice comment and failed to reply! An update on the truck donation – WRR is delighted at the offer, and is having their car auction guy contact another auction guy in the D/FW area. I should take a photo of my truck so that I can write a post when it goes bye-bye for wildlife.

By: Susan McCauley

Susan McCauley — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:04:55 +0000

What a pleasure to read this brief on your willingness to be understanding and appreciative of the squirrels. Your photos are wonderful. You are a perfect role model. Do you have opportunity to teach children?

By: jason

jason — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:36:26 +0000

Om my goodness. Sorry to hear about the truck. I can’t say I’ve ever had an issue with squirrels in that regard, but I’ve heard stories from those who have.

A friend of mine calls them tree rats. I’ve always laughed at the moniker. Even if they are rodents, I’ve always adored them and enjoyed watching them.

These are gorgeous shots, Amber! The crow lining up kernels of corn is really intriguing. But it’s the squirrel shots that put a huge smile on my face, from the two lounging in that typical devil-may-care squirrel manner to the hanging upside-down for a bite to eat to the male who’s obviously excited to have such a delectable treat. And what a delightful memory to share about the squirrels and the feeder and that needed smile!

By: Amber Coakley

Amber Coakley — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:22:04 +0000

Raccoons? In your attic? I didn’t think attics had wiggle room to get in for such a large critter. I’ve had rats in my attic before, and it sounded like a herd of horses running across my ceiling. Can’t imagine raccoons!

As for the phenomenon of squirrels taking up residence in a truck engine, the mechanic says they’ve seen this before…NOW I know…

By: Tina Gilson

Tina Gilson — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:10:11 +0000

I sure wish I could get the same calm acceptance towards the racoons in my attic, who wore out their welcome long ago. The only thing I’ve learned about cars and wildlife is from listening to the Car Talk guys on NPR and it sounds like you aren’t alone in the “squirrels-gone-wild” department.

By: Amber Coakley

Amber Coakley — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 07:31:35 +0000

Yeah…and who-knows-how-many other forums! I photoshop-out the private parts now.

By: AJ

AJ — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 07:13:43 +0000

You forgot to mention that your ‘Squirrel Flaunting His Naughty Bits’ photo showed up in a “Colbert Report” forum. Great post!

By: Amber Coakley

Amber Coakley — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 04:40:44 +0000

Couldn’t agree with you more, Joy. This is the squirrel I picture having all that fun making his winter home in my truck engine, and spending those cold, rainy, winter days chewing away on those pretty copper wires.

That crow with the corn is my father’s favorite to this day. I watched that crow as I photographed him, and he zipped down that cob like a pro! I think he may have had some experience at it…