Don't even think about it! The fearless squirrel who fights off crows determined to eat his dead friend

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sOw3mCz4Ocendofvid

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Don't mess with me: The squirrel eyeballs the crow which towers over him as he stands over his friend's dead body


Loyalty among the larger creatures of the animal kingdom is well documented.
But faithfulness and friendship from a squirrel?

A remarkable video has appeared showing just that, with one scaring off several crows as he protects the dead body of his little mate.

His stand against overwhelming odds and the formidable devotion shown by such a small animal has been acknowledged by over half-a-million hits on the video-sharing website YouTube.

The clip begins with him tentatively edging towards a solitary crow which is preparing to feast on the carcass which lies on a road.

Unsettled by the squirrel's approach the crow backs off and, emboldened, the rodent edges forward until he is standing over his friend's body.

When the crow lurches forward to take a peck, the squirrel jumps and frightens it off.

The squirrel continually waves his tail in warning but then another crow steps up fancying its chances. The plucky rodent then stands on its hind legs, poised for a stand-off.

With its adversaries retreating, the brave animal takes the opportunity to wash its paws in preparation for the next bout.


Three against one: A group of crows, collectively known as a 'murder', get increasingly frustrated as the squirrel refuses to back down


As the film progresses another crow appears and then another. The collective term for a crow is a 'murder' and it seems that is what they have in mind for the feisty character as he frustrates their every move.

Squirrels have a reputation for displaying an admirable fighting streak.

The Daily Mail revealed last year how a dog seemed to have got more than it bargained for after pouncing on a baby squirrel it found on the ground.

Moments before the hapless baby would have been torn apart, its mother appeared to leap off a nearby tree, attacking the surprised dog.

Using its sharp teeth and claws, the squirrel tore into its canine opponent and distracted it so the baby could escape to freedom.

Which just may go to show - never mess with a squirrel.
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