Can Squirrels Outsmart a NASA Engineer?

Did you know you have a fearless, tightrope-walking, puzzle solver living next door? In fact, you probably have more than a few multi-talented squirrel friends in your neighborhood! But you’ll appreciate them in an entirely new way when you see how former NASA engineer, Mark Rober, put his backyard pals to a test that has captured the attention of over 32 million people!

While trying to enjoy some bird-watching from his house, Mark began to notice someone else was visiting his bird feeders. Regardless of what he did or how clever he thought he was, squirrels always figured out how to make a snack—and a mess—out of the seeds.

So, this engineer did as engineers do and designed a new bird feeder; one that he hoped was squirrel-proof. To do this, he needed to get to know these squirrels pretty well. And along the way, he discovered some of the reasons these creatures are so amazing!

Wondering how his fuzzy guests did? Well, the results are a hilarious adventure that will have you looking at the squirrels in your life with a little more fascination!

Let’s get better acquainted with our chittering, tail-flicking, gymnast neighbors, shall we?

Squirrels: they’re everywhere. From countrysides to city-scapes all across the globe, over 200 species ¹

of these twitchy-tailed, omnivorous rodents are jumping from building to building in single bounds, planting trees, and, at least for today’s featured thought leader (and soon, you), providing months of endless entertainment!

So, how are they always managing to get into everything? (RIP to my lettuce.) Well, it seems that the name of the game for the squirrel family is a superb adaptation—even while flying through the air—and excellent problem-solving skills!

Mark Rober set up his exceptionally entertaining obstacle course, complete with slippery poles, launching pads, and even, if you can believe it, homewreckers, to put the squirrels in his own backyard to the test. Curious how they did? So were over 32 million other people! Here’s the hilarity that ensued:

Mark Rober is one of those creators who always brings you on a journey you’d never expect. From proving the kindness of people through lost wallets, creating a fun way to deter package thieves, determining whether sharks can actually smell a drop of blood in the water, or simply finding out what happens when you fill a pool with something called elephant toothpaste. 

He’s a bit of a mad scientist that helps over 12 million people access endless awe and wonder when they tune in. Head over to his YouTube channel and subscribe to see more!

Want to learn a little more about our agile little squirrel friends? Check out this video from Deep Look if you have a moment! They look closer at their personalities, the language of their tails, and how you and I aren’t so different from these determined squirrels as we might think!

There’s so much excitement waiting for us right in our backyards!

You can go on endless journeys wherever your curiosity takes you, without having to go any further than the edge of your lawn! Whether you’re staring in awe at the abilities of squirrels, relishing in your dog’s amazing sense of smell, or taking a moment to just enjoy the sounds of the birds at dawn.

We’ve been so attuned to being on the go and being busy for so long that we’ve barely had the time to watch the birds outside our window. Now that so many of us have found ourselves with that time, what are we going to do with it?

What about befriending a crow?

Or discovering what that strange-looking bug is that you always see in your area?

Or maybe, you can add to the wonder yourself by leaving a few treasures!

Stay open to new possibilities! There’s a whole lot of fun to have if you just follow your curiosity.

• Sam

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