Kira and Taro last winter. They both are males, and now (summer 2023), in their third year of life. They are very likely brothers, the first one and a half year strolled around together a lot, but now have turned more into isolationists. There was a third of their family, Sari, but Sari either has wandered away, or already is dead. I observe them and support them since they were small and young. And yes, I
am emotionally engaged with the two.
Last winter, after around 2 years of life, was the time when the two brothers started to go more separate ways. Also, they are not as playful and lightminded anymore, dont stay and play in the trees with the feeders anymore and do funny things, but now almost charge the feeders, quickly get a nut, and chase away as quick as they can. Fast in, fast out.
Gone are the easy days of squirrel youth!
They cost me 40 kg of nuts every year, walnuts and hazelnuts. On some days, they work the nut boxes in 30 seconds intervalls - grab a new one every 30 seconds, hiding it. How ever their third winter will become - I can make sure that food and fresh water will not be any of their problems. Thankfull they look string and healthy to me, big, the fur is in top shape, and no signs of exoparasites, although they probably have some flees. All squirrels have them, annoying, but usually not dangerous. There are much meanier parasite threats for my little fur noses.