A funny video is circulating online showing a squirrel playfully chasing people at Thompson Park in Watertown, New York. Visitors are seen running in circles and even climbing on benches and picnic tables to get away from the persistent little animal.
Chantel Horbacz, a local hairdresser who is also a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, felt compelled to help after seeing the video. “I decided to go search for the squirrel because people were worried about its well-being,” she explained.
She spent hours looking for the squirrel, easily identified by its fluffy tail. Finally, she caught it and decided to name it Thompson, after the park where she found it.
not aggressive, just raised badly
WWNY TV reports that wildlife expert Horbacz believes the squirrel’s approach to people isn’t due to aggression or sickness. Instead, it seems he became used to being fed by humans when he was young, likely while people were feeding squirrels in the park. He simply got accustomed to seeking out handouts.
“He was a little too friendly, going right up to people and trying to climb their legs.”
Regarding rabies, Horbacz explained that it’s very uncommon for small mammals like squirrels to have or spread the disease. She pointed out that animals like rabbits and chipmunks wouldn’t survive a rabies infection, meaning they’re unlikely to be able to transmit it to others. “Rabbits and chipmunks wouldn’t survive if they got rabies,” she said, “so the risk of them carrying and spreading it is extremely low.”
Okay, so Thompson the bear is doing better and they’re moving him to a quieter, woodsy spot away from all the people in the park. And honestly, if anyone sees a wild animal acting weird, Horbacz says don’t approach it! Instead, find a local wildlife rehabber through the Department of Environmental Conservation website. Way safer for both you and the animal.
New York has seen squirrel-related controversies before. Back in 2024, a popular pet squirrel named Peanut was taken and humanely euthanized by state officials following complaints from the public. His owners then filed a lawsuit against New York for $10 million because of what happened.
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2026-05-16 19:48