[NatureNS] Strange squirrel behaviour - NYC

From: darrell@abolitphotos.ca
To: naturens@chebucto.ns.ca
Date: Wed, 01 Oct 2014 15:28:00 +0100
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The reason they call them tree rats is they will eat anything, 
including baby birds and lots of them, alive no less. 
   
   
   
   
   
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On Wed, 1 Oct 2014 11:16:26 -0300, Ian McKay <ian@amimckay.com> wrote:
We just got back from a trip to NYC and saw some strange behaviour I was
> hoping someone could shed some light on. This is possibly unpleasant, 
> please stop reading if you are tender hearted. 
>
> While walking on Roosevelt Island we came upon a small [about 2/3 
> full size] grey squirrel that may have been hit by a car and made its 
> way to the grass. It was twitching, but seemingly barely alive. While 
> we discussed what we could do for it, a larger grey came down the 
> nearby tree, rushed over to the fallen squirrel and began to sniff it 
> in earnest. Then, quick as thought, it grasped the injured squirrel 
> in its mouth and rushed back up the tree! I wouldn't have thought it 
> could move so fast or nimbly with such a heavy and awkward load. 
>
> Now, we thought, there is a mother still caring for her offspring. 
> Then, a darker thought entered our minds [we had be discussing the 
> infamous insane asylum that used to stand where we were] and 
> wondered...do squirrels eat meat? shudder. 
>
> We are hoping that this is not the case and we witnessed a wonderful, 
> maternal moment. But the naturalist in us wondered - just how sharp 
> in tooth and claw nature might be. 
>
> Any ideas?
>
> Ian McKay
> Scots Bay

   


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