Previous Known Status:  Open hole left in mesh for squirrel’s escape route.

Objective:  Seal mesh back up with squirrel on OUTSIDE, keeping him out.

Mission:  Accomplished

Late yesterday afternoon after having heard no signs of Mr. Squirrel and consulting with Dad again on my next move, we agreed that he probably just hunkered down when I tried to chase him out in the morning after opening up the corner of the mesh for his escape route.  He more than likely waited until there was no sign of me before vacating.  I guess I did make a lot of noise up there creating the hole for him, so he did really want to go that direction when I tried to scare him out.

So, it was time to try it again.  Seal up the wire netting and hope he’s not in there.  So . . .  I dragged out the giant ladder, sealed up the hole.

He had not made any noise all day.  No sign of him at all.  After I closed up shop, still no noise.  All night, nothing.

AT 8:30 this morning . . . there it is.  Heard it all the way up in the bedroom.  I could hear it pulling at the metal.  I finished getting dressed and waited to check things out as I was just about to leave anyways.  I figured if he is stuck inside again, he isn’t going anywhere . . .  and if he is on he outside trying to get in, well, then, mission accomplished.

As I left the house this morning I peeked around the corner to where I was hearing the noise.  On the south side.  Nothing inside or outside of the mesh.  Walked over to the north side, again, nothing.  Hmm . . .    I leave.

I look again as I come home three hours later.  Check out both sides.  Still no sign of anyone.

About a half hour later I hear it again.  Something disturbing the metal on the south side of the house.  I sneak out as quiet as a 90 year house will let you .  I take the corner and sure enough.  There he is.  Sitting on the edge of the roof.  Frozen. Looking at me.

On the OUTSIDE!!!  SCORE!!

I decide I am a gracious winner and I speak to the little guy: “I’m sorry.  I know this sucks.  But you are not invited.”

He takes off running up the roof and jumps in to the big tree where he proceeds to cluck at me angrily.  Sore looser.

It may have not been the last face off with the little red squirrel, for he will be back trying to get in I am sure. But it definitely was a defining moment in the war to keep my house critter free.