Humans and animals can have extremely strong bonds, but we must be cautious when it comes to wildlife. It’s more difficult to know how we should treat wild animals, and we must never interfere with their natural instincts or ability to survive in the wild.
But there are times when it’s appropriate to lend a helping hand, especially when it’s a matter of life and death — and that’s where this remarkable story begins.
Brantly Harrison and her family discovered a four-week-old squirrel near death after being attacked by an owl in 2009. They had no idea that this would be the start of a lifelong bond with the little creature.
The squirrel was brought home by the family, who fed and cared for it. They chose the name Bella for her.
The Harrisons quickly became attached to their new little friend, writes Metro.
When Bella recovered, she was returned to the wild.
A visit years later…
The family never expected to see Bella again, but a year later, there was a knock on their door, and there she was.
Although the little squirrel had grown up, she had not forgotten the family who had saved her life.
Bella returned to their garden on a regular basis. She was a true member of the Harrison family.
Bella returned one day, this time tapping fervently on their window, as if she needed to tell them something important.
When the family realized Bella had injured her foot, they immediately took her in and provided antibiotics as well as a warm box for her to recover in.
But it was only then that they realized what Bella was really trying to tell them. They discovered three tiny baby squirrels as they laid Bella down in the box — the three newcomers Bella obviously wanted to introduce to her other family.