Yeah, I cohabitate with quite a squirrel population. In my yard I have about 20 or so gray squirrels who think they own the pine and oak trees and they pretty much stay away from my house and out of my hair otherwise.
To reward them for abstaining from nesting in my attic I give them segments of bread loaves and they can be seen ferrying them up the side of the trees in which they live. I add peanuts and other things to this and hopefully we will endure each other as best we can.
I used to take a much more heavy handed approach to them, until my best friend, Sam chastised me roundly and called me cruel. So now I don't catch or hurt them in any way. They still exhibit a lot of fear of me nonetheless.
Today is Squirrel Appreciation Day. It is held each January 21st under the auspices of Ashville wildlife rehabilitation specialist one Christy Hargrove.
It is a day "to learn about and celebrate the world’s cutest rodents".
These animals have been introduced to various areas in the country to promote interest and this has given rise to accusations of "invasive species" and have caused some vitriol among various people who live here.
I have attempted to locate and import red and black fox squirrels to no avail. Perhaps my reputation preceeds me.
So despite our best efforts, the imported squirrel exists in our midst and I personally believe they are here to stay.