Squirrel Begs For Nuts

This attention seeking squirrel will do anything for some nuts - as he dances with his jazz hands out in a desperate plea for the spotlight. The outgoing critter was photographed by Ian Rentoul as it sprinted across a fence top to alert him as he dished out nuts. His stance shows the little squirrel standing on his hind legs and raising his front paws to the air.

The hilarious pose was perfectly captured by the 52-year-old amateur photographer as he strolled through a walk-in enclosure at the British Wildlife Centre, Surrey. Ian had been throwing hazelnuts and peanuts to the red squirrels in a bid to photograph them up close and personal - but never expected to snatch such a great shot. Ian, who is retired, from Guildford, Surrey, has been taking pictures since the mid 80s and specialises in wildlife photography.

 

He said: 'I was on one of my regular visits to the squirrel enclosure when I spotted this little man out of the corner of my eye. He seemed to be trying to attract my attention, and as I turned round I just saw him standing on his hind legs. I quickly grabbed my camera and grabbed some shots of him. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw him look like he was waving at me. He must have been trying to attract attention as he wanted to be hand fed.' 

Over here: The squirrel has become a favourite at the enclosure in Surrey and holds up his paws when he wants some food 

The performing squirrel has become something of an attraction at the Wildlife Centre - which helps protect the diminishing population of red squirrels in the UK.

Ian added: 'This little chap is very tame and has particular mannerisms that make him stand out from the crowd. He likes standing on his hind legs and raising his front ones to hold them out in a request for food. He is a real star of the squirrel enclosure and visitors take great delight in seeing him and his little chums.'