Friday, June 19, 2020

Terrorist Tots Torment Squirrels






Anti-squirrel sentiment has simmered for years at Peter Cooper Village and Stuyvesant Town. When legislation was being considered a year ago to criminalize feeding squirrels in New York City parks, these two apartment complexes decided to jump on the bandwagon and ban squirrel feeding on their properties. Ultimately the NY state legislation did not pass, but at PCV and Stuytown they  cited "the law" as they proceeded to ban squirrel feeding on their private property.

It's been a year now since the feeding ban went into effect. The other day I took a walk through the park in the north-east corner of PCV, a place where I used to spend a lot of time before I started to focus my efforts on the area where Lady Gray and Lady Black currently reside. I hadn't been over there for a long time, and I'm sorry to report that I did not see a single squirrel in an area that  had once been bustling with squirrels. Where were they? Were they all  on lockdown? Or were they all  gone? I'm afraid that this is what the majority of PCV residents want: a beautifully landscaped dead park, devoid of living creatures.


One of the main arguments for the externination of the little animals has been that they're a threat children. You see, "squirrels bite babies".  The argument goes that by feeding squirrels we encourage them to be aggressive towards children. This meme  is a perfect example of how of wild animals don't stand a chance when they come up against the well-being and comfort of humans. The animals never win.
 But I have rarely seen an aggressive squirrel. It's not in their nature to be aggressive.
In fact squirrels, who are vegans,  are themselves  prey rather than predators.  As natural prey, they normally keep their distance. In fact they invented social distancing.

The other day I watched  a  group of  young children ganging  up on a black squirrel. They were surrounding a few squirrels,  screaming at them and chasing them up trees.

 But I noticed that  one squirrel was standing its ground as they closed in on it. I got closer for a better look and realized to my horror that the squirrel was my own Lady Black. She was getting so aggravated that I feared she might strike back if they got any closer. I attempted to run interferance but the kids paid no attention.

However, Lady Black finally came to her senses and ran off. I could envision a scenario in which she  might have clawed or  bitten her tormenters if she felt trapped. But this would only have been under extreme provocation and by  an unusual squirrel like Lady Black, because most squirrels would instinctively run away.  Even when squirrels  approach humans for a peanut they tend to be skittish and not get too close.  Squirrels are afraid of their own shadows. They will jump two feet in the air at the rustling  sound of a plastic bag. So would a squirrel really bite a kid? If that  did happen, it would be very rare, not a regular occurrence like they try to claim.
 











Survivor: The Unsinkable Lady Black

Tuesday, June 16, 2020

One Fine Day


Happy healthy squirrels on a beautiful June day.








Thursday, May 28, 2020

Social Distancing


Squirrels have always practiced social distancing, both  with themselves and with humans.
.




Saturday, April 11, 2020

The Mean Season



Christmas has long since come and gone,  taking the Christmas spirit with it, and leaving  in its place a mean spirit that's hard to fathom. Some residents have been really snarky and snarly recently. Why?  Could  coronavirus fears  be somehow to blame? After a long respite, the guards have been harassing me more intensively than ever. I had to remind one to keep his distance. But while some of the residents have been downright nasty, others still say things like "God bless you!" and "Thank you for what you're doing." I guess a lot of them wouldn't dare do it. One woman even wanted to shake my hand, but I refused, referring to the need for social distancing. But I thanked her for the kind thought.
 
Squirrels on Lockdown?

As I walked around I saw very few squirrels, when I expected them to be out enjoying the nice weather. Where were they? They all seem to be practicing social distancing.

But I'm happy to report that Lady Black and Lady Gray were both there and doing fine.

Lady Black


Lady Gray



And to my absolute delight, I ran into the black and white beauty pictured above for the first time since last May when the no-feeding rules went into effect. I was so happy to see that squirrel pop up alive and well, out of nowhere!  How do I know it's the same squirrel? This little bunny is one-of-a-kind! And someone somewhere has been caring for it.

Bunny


Wishing you all the best on this Easter Eve, and may good spirits prevail!



Wednesday, December 25, 2019

A Squirrel's Christmas

The spirit of Christmas is alive and well at Peter Cooper Village

On the day before Christmas all through the park
Many creatures were stirring
As I rolled in my cart!
 The squirrels had been nestled all snug in their beds
While visions of peanuts no doubt danced in their heads
When all of a sudden there arose such a clatter
As out of the woodwork came squirrels in a scatter 
As their dreams became real
Of a big Christmas meal!



In true holiday spirit, PCV has relaxed the rules against feeding squirrels!
Two guards walked right past me, calling out "Happy Holidays!" Those words never sounded so good. I had started taking bigger risks when the cold weather arrived, feeding them more openly, and I expected consequences. But none came. Apparently word had gone out from the top to not harass the squirrel feeders, because all of a sudden I felt invisible as guards walked by and said nothing. Even those nasty cracks coming from some of the residents have been replaced by nice salutations like "God bless you!"


Waiting for Santa

The squirrels are all wearing heavy fur coats now, along with mittens and earmuffs.
little white mittens


a baby's earmuffs

Lady Gray has even grown a hat to keep her head warm!

Lady Gray's adorable hat



It's a wonderful life at Peter Cooper Village.


Peace To All!


Friday, November 15, 2019

Ladies in Waiting

The Good news: Looks like Lady Gray is expecting babies. If so, that's exciting news because it means more orange pups. It's been a year since she's had babies. I believe she missed a season.
The Lovely Lady Gray




Not to be outdone, Lady Black is also going to be a mother again.
Lady Black



lounging




And she's also going to be a grandmother -- Baby Black is expecting her first litter!


Baby Black




The Bad News: Babies, it's cold outside!



Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Remains of the Day


Halloween Memories







Squirrel Art Jack-o'-lanterns



Life Imitating Art








Stand-off


Thursday, October 24, 2019

October Feast

Oh, look at all that lovely food for hungry squirrels!
Whee! This is fun!
Peter Cooper Village apparently forgot that squirrels like pumpkins?
So far they've resisted going for the gold, so as not to spoil the scenery, we're guessing.
And they've been limiting themselves to nibbling on leaves.

But we're sure it's only a matter of time before we'll be seeing jack o' lanterns --  surely by Halloween!

This expecting squirrel has found her own gold mine











Yum Yum


Two who starved to death at Peter Cooper Village?
And then there was one. Who stole the skeleton? Did any heads roll?





HAPPY HALLOWEEN!