I drive through Connecticut in the same way I drive through Manhattan: far too fast, too ready on the horn for those road lollygaggers and with my radio blasting hip hop music (and let me tell you, those 87 lb, headband wearing matrons of Darien are not that well acquainted with Usher). I don't alter my driving habits for alternative states; however, I do alter these habits for squirrels.When I'm in the city and the street is strewn with errant pigeons pecking at some foodstuff in the asphalt, I speed up to send these foul flying creatures airborne (don't worry---I've never hit one). However, if I spy a squirrel, I'll temper the brake and allow the distracted critter to move to the other side of the road. Squirrels are darting creatures yet they have a reaction trigger about 15 seconds longer than most human beings.
I am respectful of our furry friend the squirrel. I am convinced they fulfill some sort of useful skill in the natural order of things (although I'm not sure what that actually is). While the grey squirrel is valued, the black squirrel is particularly prized.
I am envious of their silky ebony shade. Their regal demeanor gives them a certain mystery. They have a wisdom in their beady eyes which humbles one when you catch their hard glare across a suburban parking lot.
I found this earlier this week. As I strode to my car, I came across a magnificent black squirrel in my path. He froze and reared up on his hind legs. He stared at me with an imperious gaze. I believed him to be (for the brief moment of our interchange) the Montezuma of Squirrels; he was bold, imposing and possibly capable of transcending rabies.
Magnificent beasts.
6 comments:
C&W, I admit I always slow down for squirrels, any animal for that matter, except birds. I just don't like birds. Oh some are a beauty to behold, but I live in a neighborhood where every fucking bird is stupid and waits 'till the very last second to leave it's shit eating on the ground and ultimately flies into my car grill! Whew! Thanks for letting me get that off my chest.
Anyway, back to squirrels, they are cute and useful, the fullness of their tails tell you what kind of winter to expect. But I have to admit, I have never seen a black squirrel, how cute is that picture. It almost looks like a negative of an albino. Huh, I learn something new every day. Thanks again.
I've never seen a black squirrel, either. We have a squirrel living in our yard and Henry (the dog) likes to chase him. It seemed innocent enough, kinda cute, in fact, until Henry almost caught him! Not sure what he would have done, but I would have been heart-broken if Henry hurt him.
I live in the woods with many squirrels, and I gotta tell ya, I HATE THE BASTARDS!! They eat my plants, eat all the birdseed out of the feeders, get into everything! I hate them. I wish I liked them like you do, I just can't bring myself to like the nasty little buggers. Don't hate me, please??? LOLOLOLOL
Can't wait to see you in NYC! Have you ever been to BB Kings Blues Grill?
We have black squirrels. And grey squirrels. And brown squirrels.
I hate them all. Though perhaps not so much as the family of woodchucks or the feral cats.
Actually, the black squirrels have slowly been taking over here. 10 years ago there was nary to be seen (is that phrased right?), but now two of every three squirrels I see are black. They seem a bit more aggressive than the gray or brown ones, too.
Although I agree that I hate the woodchuck in the backyard much more. If I build a catapult to throw it out of the neighborhood, does that make it a woodchuck chuck? :)
Black squirrels were introduced to Stanley Park in Westfield, MA in the 40's. Now the little buggers run the town over. I prefer the grey ones - they have fluffier tails and are just prettier. The black ones look like little vampires. EEEK!
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