It’s been years that I’ve been on the hunt to prove what is happening in Cobourg.
For decades it’s been a goal to get “that photo” to prove what is happening isn’t a myth.
Today, on November 23, 2025 was the day.
Ever since Christmas Magic began and the trouble started, I’ve been searching out. Sometimes for hours to get “that” shot that has eluded me for so many years.
I’ve heard stories of others who have witnessed the stealthy creature that roams through the parks. But never have I been able to capture that “moment” in time.
Each year these pesky varmints cause easily over a $1,000 in damage to our parks. But Parks Department staff are resilient with that “never give up – never surrender attitude.”
Sometimes working high above the ground, these creatures stalk park staff as they work diligently preparing the magic for Christmas.
Sometimes their work doesn’t last a day before the monsters devour their efforts.
Of course I’m talking about squirrels who chew through strands of Christmas lights almost immediately after Parks Department staff hang them.
It’s a never ending battle each year.
For years I’ve heard stories how the squirrels have Christmas lights in their mouths and seem to almost taunt the workers just a few metres away.
Today was the day that my quest for that photo ended.
As I was showing the damage the squirrels do to trees by eating the lights and cords to a grandmother and her two grandchildren she pointed out a squirrel behind me that was up in the trees.
With camera in hand, quickly I turned around and faced the four-legged monster.
Caught red handed with a Christmas light in its mouth I snapped the shutter frame furiously.
Almost not believing what I was actually seeing after all these years.
It was true.
The stories I’ve heard each year.
All true.
It was like I had just reached the peak of Everest.
Jubilation came over me.
I fell to my knees, raised my arms in the air and shouted to the Lord above, “thank you!”
Thanks for reading folks. Honestly. It is a photo that I’ve tried to get for a number of years. Many thanks to the woman who spotted the squirrel.
Christmas Magic is amazing and Victoria Park looks beautiful.
If we could just stop the Grinches in the trees.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
