A sneaky squirrel in South Carolina was caught red-pawed stealing Halloween decorations right off a homeowner’s display — and the tiny thief’s careful getaway has people cracking up.
Realtor Kristen Gimms spotted the gray squirrel tugging at a piece of gauzy fabric draped around a plastic skeleton in her yard.
At first, the animal appeared to be simply playing with the spooky decoration.
Then it became clear the squirrel had a plan.
The determined little bandit gathered the material into a bundle, maneuvered it into a manageable pile and took off with its prize.
The whole thing looked less like random squirrel chaos and more like a carefully organized heist.
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Viewers especially loved the moment the squirrel appeared to “fold” the fabric before carrying it away.
One commenter joked that the squirrel’s technique was more organized than expected, while others shared their own stories of squirrels stealing everything from decorations to clothing.
And honestly, this one seemed pretty proud of the haul.
There may also be a practical reason the squirrel wanted the fabric.
Gray squirrels build leafy nests, known as dreys, high in trees and sometimes collect soft or fibrous materials to help line or reinforce them. So from the squirrel’s point of view, the Halloween decoration may have looked less like yard décor and more like free home-improvement supplies.
The cute theft does come with one important warning, though.
Wildlife experts caution that loose Halloween materials can be dangerous for animals.
Stretchy synthetic spider webs, gauze, mesh and other stringy decorations can wrap around the feet, legs, tails or wings of squirrels, birds and bats. Animals that become tangled may panic and injure themselves while trying to escape.
Fake spider webbing is considered especially risky because the thin fibers can be difficult for wildlife to see, particularly at night.
Experts recommend avoiding loose netting or stretchy web material outdoors and keeping decorations securely attached and away from trees, bushes and areas where animals regularly travel.
Other Halloween favorites can create problems too.
Bright flashing lights and motion-activated decorations may startle wildlife, while small plastic pieces, ribbons and tinsel can become choking or entanglement hazards if animals carry them away.
So while this squirrel’s decorating theft was undeniably adorable, it also offered a pretty good reminder for anyone setting up a spooky yard this fall.
If a squirrel can grab it and run, it probably needs to be secured a little better.