Gray Squirrels...Fiends or Friends?

  Every squirrel I know has a bad reputation.  Perhaps it is just those that live around the Bayou but here, they are thieving, destructive little critters.  They swipe the fruit from the trees, steal my tomatoes before they are ripe and can gnaw their way through just about any surface.  More than once has Son had to repair the roof, siding and doors just because a squirrel has decided our house is its house.  And don't think they are not sneaky enough to try entry in the middle of the night!  Son and I were out on the rooftop at 2am because one persistent rascal was ripping the siding off the upstairs walls!  Bird feeders, gardens, kitchens...none of these are safe.  We have had our battles in each case.  Squirrels...the evil ones of the rodent family.  Well, rats are not nice either...nor are shrews!  Shrews are downright wicked!  They are quite feisty!

  Now that it is settled that squirrels can do a lot of damage, I want to repair the damage done to their reputation by the previous statements.  Squirrels are not complete fiends bent on driving humans mad with their antics.  In fact, some squirrels are helpful!  Yes, you read that right and, yes, that did come from me.  Squirrels can be helpful!  Just today, an example of their good deeds came to light. I was overjoyed to be the recipient of their kindness!  Oh, lucky me!

  While I was out doing a bit of yard work, it occurred to me that I should gather a few "fire sticks" (as my sweet granddaughter calls them) or twigs.  We are to have a bit of cold weather here for the next few days and the old woodstoves will need stoking.  Twigs are a great fire starter and in the enclosed iron stoves, they last a good while.  It is my custom to gather a handful or two on each outing so it is not a big chore to get them when needed.  I found just what I needed in the lane.  There are several large squirrels' nests in the hickory trees that line the lane and beneath those, there were dozens of fire sticks.  It seems that the ideal size to gnaw a twig for use in nest-building is also the perfect size for my woodstoves.   It took only a few moments to gather a nice bundle of the 14 to 15 inch sticks.  Squirrels are great at measuring and gnawing the limbs but, apparently, not so great at holding on to each one they cut.  The lane was filled with lovely fire sticks...or nesting supplies...whichever.  So, a big shout out to the gray squirrels that live down the lane!  Your help is greatly appreciated and your status has gone up a few points in my book.  (At least, until you steal my plums come this spring.)