The Squirrel.

The squirrel has some how got in to the good books of poets, from ancient times onwards. Different versions of the Epic Ramayana have been authored and none of them forgot to include a couplet or two on the Squirrel.

Rats and porcupines are cousins of this furry mammal, belonging to the order of Rodentia. But they did not merit such a place in any Indian Epic.

What are common between a Zebra, a tiger and a Squirrel? They have striped skin. They are mammals, give birth and rear off springs – Zoologically speaking. The zebra alone has not been heard of being raised as a pet animal - a tall order indeed for such a treatment!

The Squirrel is quite enterprising and has this audacity to transport itself from wilderness to windowsills.

Any chink in the armour of our houses – a broken window pane or a shutter, it finds the space in between the window shutter and the meshed grill to invite itself in. Depending on the way the window shutter is opened, it chooses its path to the destination.

If the window shutters open outward, the entry and exit are convenient. If not, it has to sneak in stealthily in to the house and then find its way to the lodging site, undetected.

When the furry Squirrel is adept in living out doors on tree branches or pockets in tree trunks and why should it ,then, take a liking to live in concrete jungles?

The question itself contains the answer. The trees are vanishing and concrete buildings are mushrooming.  A dispossessed squirrel, just finds an alternative accommodation.

Let us forget the invasion part, the purpose of which we will come to know later, and spend some time watching the activities of a Squirrel. Just stand under a well grown tree and look among the leaves and branches- yes. There is fun in store.

The rapid action jaw movement, to nibble at its breakfast or lunch or an early supper, will be hypnotizing to watch

The poise and grace of the posture – tail wagging, fore arms lifting and lowering - like a power hammer, its anterior body & legs resting on solid wooden ground and emitting the metallic “chick... chichick” frequently.

The ““chick... chichick”” might be a version of  the  theme song from the movie “yadaon ki baaraat” who knows?

Squirrels are a playful lot. They race along the long, curved branches of trees, jump over to another tree’s branch, descend via the tree trunk on to terra firma and continue to chase or race.

Its lifted tail; pumping action of the legs; humming the same old “yaadon ki baaraat” theme song in a feverish and staccato pitch – fascinating to watch indeed.

Holding our breath, we witness this sports and mentally instructing the Squirrel to watch out for cul de sacs to apply sudden break.

This mono, double or triple action will be as thrilling as watching a Formula 1 or a matched field horse racing, from the edge of the track. An avid follower of F1 racing might easily spot a Schumacher, Vettel, Alonso or Raikinen - scorching the tarmac and tires.

If in mood, the race shifts on to the compound walls and then on to the vertical face of a tall building, perform a long-jump on   to the next building and so on. It reminds those who are avidly watching this caper of a running race among cliff climbers.

If we are lucky, a street dog or a pet dog (enjoying parole) joins the fun of running after the squirrels, egging them on with full throated barking. The Squirrels step up on the accelerator, trying to break the sound barrier, to reach safety.

This is the reason why the Squirrel will be found missing most of the times from its homestead. It has to find a tree or a tall building to scamper and scoot along and if possible pick up food to bring back home.

When it spends most of its time outdoors, why need an indoor apartment?  These are the doubt doing the rounds in our minds and for a brief time, if the Creator condescends, assume that the Squirrel can talk to us.

Now if we ask that doubt as a question, a squirrel might ask you a question – “If you have some thing precious, where do you keep it?”

You say,” In a secured place like a bank locker of course”.

What else could be so precious to a squirrel other than food for the winter or the safety of the about- to -be -born babies.

As the Squirrel’s concerns sink in, a little more compassion will be welling in our hearts for the furry fellow. Next time, when we see one we might even be tempted to say “Good morning Squirrel; how are you doing?”