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It shouldn't be controversial to point out that humans are the biggest threat to nature. In the case of squirrels, extreme deforestation is the main cause of concern, but also cars, introduced predators like cats, and other invasive species, hunting (mostly historical) and general persecution. In most places they are not endangered (yet), but this could easily change (like it did in the UK). In most of Europe, the native broadleaf forests that squirrels thrive in, have been decimated by up to 95%. Although I am lucky to live in a country with one of the highest percentages (69%) of tree coverage left in Europe (Finland is the highest), deforestation is unfortunately ramping up here as well, cutting around 20 billion trees over the last two decades.

 

I love all nature, but squirrels occupy a special place in my heart. They are one of the sweetest forest spirits. Only very rarely do they predate on animals. It saddens me to think that if only knew what humans had done, they would never come close to us, but in their innocence, they can surprisingly friendly. It's not legal to own a squirrel in most European countries, which is a good thing, as they would not thrive in a domesticated environment. Watching them in their in the wild is so enjoyable, and having them choose to interact with us is pure magic.

 

I am trying to photograph these encounters to help people see how special these creatures really are...​​

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