10/17/2026
‘Hikers Beware!’
I was camping in the Superior National Forest, close to the Pelican River. I decided to grab my camera and go exploring on the Arrowhead State Trail near my camp. I had been hiking for about a half hour and had not seen any wildlife. I stopped to get a drink of water when I heard a noise to my right. I turned to see what it was and ten feet in front of me, peeking around the tree, was the legendary, ferocious, territorial red squirrel. It barked at me, to let me know that I was trespassing in its area. Shortly thereafter it moved to the side of the tree to show me its massive size, and expose its sharp claws, all the while staring at me with this intensive look in its eyes. I knew it meant business and was not to be toyed with. I quickly snapped some photos and high tailed it out of there, barely escaping with my life!
Superior National Forest. Arrowhead State Trail. Orr, Minnesota. September, 2026.