Hello again!
As many of you are aware, Penn State’s University Park Campus has an extremely high squirrel population. That’s just how things are around here. But have you ever caught a glimpse of an… extra special squirrel here on campus? (I know what you’re thinking, “all squirrels are special!” Well, no. This is a super extra special squirrel) That’s right folks, I am referring to Penn State’s favorite rodent, Sneezy the Squirrel! (I once again know what you’re thinking, what the heck is Sneezy the Squirrel?) Don’t worry, you’re not alone there. Even being the avid squirrel lover that I am, I had not heard of Sneezy until extremely recently. Sneezy the Squirrel is a middle-aged grey squirrel right here on campus who has become quite the sensation. She even has her own Facebook page! But what makes Sneezy so special? What makes her more exciting than all of the other squirrels? Well, let’s just say she’s got some serious style… and a human friend who is significantly more squirrel-crazy than I am.
Sneezy’s fame can be singly attributed to a girl named Mary Krupa, who graduated from Penn State this past year. According to an article from Onward State, Sneezy is identifiable to Mary due to a red tuft of hair on her tail, and Mary is identifiable to Sneezy because she always feeds her peanuts. Good trade off, right? But the fun doesn’t stop there. Not only does Mary feed Sneezy, but she also dresses her up! Isn’t that crazy? Whenever I get even relatively close to a squirrel is spazzes out and darts away, yet when Ms. Krupa (also known as the squirrel whisperer here on campus) approaches the fluffy things, they engage her affectionately. I offer them food, just like she does! She must be lacing those peanuts with something… anyways, Mary has hand-crafted a wide assortment of hats, blouses, and other props for her favorite squirrel to pose with. I’ll be sure to include some of my favorite shots for your personal enjoyment.
As I mentioned earlier, Sneezy herself does indeed have a Facebook page that I of course encourage you all to like! But, because I know that realistically none of you will (I don’t blame you, it’s not personal, really,) I will relay Sneezy’s page information here instead. Some of Sneezy’s noteworthy accomplishments include “Fluffiest Tail,” “Friendliest Squirrel in State College,” and “Expert Nut-Collector.” Impressive, isn’t it? But wait, there’s more! Sneezy’s favorite activities include eating, hiding nuts, chasing away other squirrels, grooming herself, wearing hats, and making other people happy. Those are some of my favorite hobbies too, Sneezy.
So there you have it! A little insight into Penn State’s most stylish and well-known squirrel. If you yourself are considering finding a special squirrel of your own here on campus, I have a few tips. 1. Make a Facebook/twitter account for it. 2. Give it a cool name. 3. Create articles of clothing for it. Not hats though, that’s overdone, if you know what I mean. 4. Keep an infinite stash of unsalted nuts for your new BFF.
You don’t necessarily have to do those things in that order, obviously.