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| Seen here, running down a Bigleaf Maple Tree |
Apart from domesticated dogs on leashes, the only mammal I have observed, thus far, in Ravenna Park, have been the tree squirrels. These bushy-tailed creatures are highly active, looking like a mixture between rodents and cats, and then given rabies. They make small squeaking noises and are not shy when it comes to approaching humans in the park. The squirrels in Ravenna are fairly small, about six to eight inches in height when standing. Their diets consist of pinenuts, acorns and fungi, which are in ample supply at Ravenna.
On my last trip to the observation site, I witnessed two, particularly friendly squirrels at the base of a large, Bigleaf Maple tree. As one squirrel (a female I presume) relentlessly tried to climb the moss-ridden bark structure of the Bigleaf Maple, the other (her male counterpart) continually tried to jump on her back, mounting her, while attempting sexual intercourse. The female squirrel would continue to climb the tree trunk, proving impossible with the weight of another on her back. They would fall off of the tree together, tumbling down to the soft, swampy ground where the process ensued. This process lasted for at least 30 minutes as I made other phenological observations at my site. Each time I turned my attention back on the squirrels, I felt like watching the attempted rape of a small, innocent creature, yet I was powerless and had no control over the situation. After a needed reminder to myself that these things have been happening in nature since the beginning of time, and that I have no rightful part the fate of two squirrels, I was able to walk away from the tragic affair, forever scarred by her begging squeals for help.
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