Squirrel Pumpkin Carving
We have a major squirrel issue at the Mayfield household.
Can't determine which one of them is the overachiever. Perhaps its time for Squirrel Fishing.
For the record, I used to like squirrels, I am not a believer in Squirrel hazing and believe these rodents can be a cause for good.
It all started with a new birdfeeder in the back yard. Guess we are the only ones within a several block radius as its become the favorite watering hole for all animalkind. Problem is the squirrels consume the entire lot of seed every 3 days. Birds get upset. Then they moved on to eat holes in the plastic garbage cans and ferret through the recycling. Can't blame them for surviving in the harsh clime of Palo Alto -- but now Halloween is at stake. They are gnawing through pumpkins in the dark of the night.
So the plan is not to fish, exterminate or starve, but employ them to carve the pumpkins. Perhaps a little duct tape template will bring the ecosystem back into balance.
Presumably, a solution of cayenne pepper and water (and some dish detergent to suspend everything) will keep the squirrels away. The most annoying thing of their eating pumpkins is the amazing mess of pumpkin bits they leave everywhere.
Posted by: Jack Vinson | October 21, 2003 at 06:42 PM
Day One: Duct taped the pumpkin
Day Two: Not a bite
Day Three: Slated for peanut butter
Posted by: Ross Mayfield | October 22, 2003 at 11:04 PM
Our bird feeder is the "run of death" for our local squirresl in that the two dogs patrol it vigously. In fact their main "job" appears to be to keep the squirel population in check on the entire prorty. Hours of fun for the dogs - not too many deaths say about 4 a year. Only the toughest squirrels make it
Posted by: robert paterson | October 27, 2003 at 04:44 AM
Day Four: No bites
Day Five: No bites
Day Six: They ate the peanut butter, but not the pumpkin
Posted by: Ross Mayfield | October 27, 2003 at 12:26 PM
Im about to call this experiment a failure. There are too many alternative sources of food (garbage cans, etc.) and the duct tape apparently is a turnoff.
Boring holes where eyes should be in hopes that the scent of pumpkin fruit is the lure.
Posted by: Ross Mayfield | October 30, 2003 at 11:53 AM