Squirrels are running rampant around London. Living in parks surrounded by humans, they no longer fear or run away from people. But are they just more comfortable around us, or is this all part of their war strategy?

I noticed their cheek whilst walking through St James’ park in London, using my camera to photograph a passing squirrel. Standing very still and holding my breath, I waited to get a good shot, when it turned and looked at me. Having a very Disney moment, I smiled at it, half hoping that it might talk. Instead, it started to walk slowly towards me, stopping and starting, as if testing whether or not I would eat it… before suddenly launching itself at my leg! Then it just sat there, with its claws dug in. It may have been doing anything: asking for food, warning me away, or practicing some weird mating ritual. Whatever its motivation its eyes were too intelligent, and I don’t know whether this happened or my mind created the image, but I swear it winked at me. My initial thought was that this must be a one-off genius or very brave squirrel. But I was mistaken, as only a couple minutes later (after this squirrel had left), another one jumped on one of my friends.

In the past squirrels and other animals would not approach humans, much like in rural parts of England now. Being lower in the food chain they have feared us as predators, and given a wide berth to our activity. However, as urbanisation has expanded towns and populations grew, one resident did not manage to get a house: animals. We built in their habitats, causing them to retreat into parks, surrounded on all sides by buildings and roads. Over time animals have become used to our constant presence, to an extent that they are almost as domesticated as cats or dogs. They eat out of visitor’s hands, chase children around trees, and steal food from local cafes and bins. With more contact to us, the squirrel-human relationship has changed, as they no longer fear us. But what if it’s something more sinister than that?

These are some other possible theories:

1.
They were born in a laboratory as mutants, but escaped and were raised in a sewer by a ninja rat.

2.
They are specially trained by the Government and other organisations, to eavesdrop on people’s conversations, and carry out missions.

3.
Their bodies have been hijacked by alien scouts, who want to know Earth better, before they try to invade.

4.
They are finding out our weaknesses and befriending us, whilst secretly waiting for the chance to start a revolution.

Regardless of the reasons, one thing is certain: animals are less scared. Either this will be a good thing, as we will bond more with nature and try harder to preserve it. Or the animals may soon think of us as weaker, and start stealing the very food from our mouths.

 

By Aleks Dyoniziak, Raynes Park High School