Baldilocks

Just when I thought I had seen it all, I met a new squirrel in the forest! I guess I'll have to name him Baldilocks because of his huge bald spot. He doesn't seem very happy about his baldness either. I feel for him, but he didn't have to take it out on me. I'll tell you what happened.

It was the last day when all of the snow was still on the ground. I was happily walking through the forest not really expecting to see any animals because everything was so quiet. That's when it happened! On the tree just to my left a squirrel came around the side of the trunk right for me! It was very angry because I was so close.

I learned a long time ago never to run from an animal, but I always remain very careful. The key is to never make any sudden moves either way. I was still well within jumping range of this furious little baldy. You may notice black edges around the corners of my pictures. That's because I was too close for my zoom lense attachment.

I already had my camera up and ready, and when I saw what looked at the time like a possible injury on this squirrel's back I had to get some pictures before it was too late. As I began to take my pictures I also started slowly backing away. First, I had to get out of jumping range of this hostile little guy, and second, I needed to get better range for my lense.

I had no idea why he was missing the fur on his back, but I wanted to get plenty of pictures so I could examine them later. I ended up with exactly 125 pictures of him! Yes, you read that right! I would show them all to you, but I don't think you'd have time to look at them all, so I'll just show you these five.

I'm happy to say that after examining all of the pictures that whatever the problem is with his back, he seems to be just fine. There is no sign of injury or disease anymore, just a lot of wrinkly, bald squirrel skin. I guess the only problem he has right now isa case of wounded pride from not having all of his hair.

You know, I can't say I understand the experience of going bald, like this squirrel, or some men. I have a very full head of hair. I have two uncles who are quite bald though. It took me quite awhile to understand what some bald men feel about it. It's not always fun for them.

Years ago when my youngest uncle, who is like an older brother to me, began to seriously lose his hair I used to playfully tease him about it. He wasn't even thirty years old yet. I thought he was fine with the teasing, and I thought he was too confident as a person for it to be a problem. Besides, he always gave better than he got. 

But one day he got angry with me, and I saw that it was because I seriously hurt his feelings. I felt horrible about it. I never realized it would make him feel bad. That was the last time I ever said anything about it to him. We still tease each other about everything, but I keep that off limits.

Back to the main story. I had no idea how many pictures I had of Baldilocks the squirrel, but I knew I had plenty, so I went on my way. I still couldn't resist taking more pictures as I left him behind. He was determined to keep his spot on that tree, and to send me away. He got his wish. He was still there the last time I saw him from very far away.

Baldilocks the squirrel was angry with me for being there, but I was just glad to discover later that he seemed to be healthy. I have found another unique squirrel in the forest. I was worried about him at first, but now I think he's going to be just fine.