Man builds over 1,000 tiny boxes for squirrels and puts cameras inside, then discovers how they live inside their homes: 'These boxes give these animals a place to thrive'

Blake Seidel • Managing Editor & Brand Manager

Aug 24, 2026 9:00 AM EDT

Who knew squirrels could be so adorable?

What is your first thought when you think of squirrels - cute creatures storing nuts or pests that plague your neighborhood trees? Personally, I think they're adorable, and now that I know that they "kiss" each other upon entering their homes, I'm 100% nuts for these fluffy forest critters.

When you think about it, squirrels have a pretty tough life. They're near the bottom of the food chain with many potential predators around and very few natural deterrents to save themselves in a pickle. Their one advantage is a deft climbing ability, but they're not the only ones that can do that. That's why John built over 1,000 tiny boxes for squirrels, and gave them all away for free, according to @MarioNawfal's post on X. He put some cameras inside them, and the things he learned about squirrels changed the way he looked at them forever.

He discovered how familial squirrels are, how they will cuddle for warmth and comfort, how they will protect their babies and partners against predators or other stranger squirrels, how they teach their babies where to find resources, and watched as these anxious animals finally found peace in their new homes. He watched generations of squirrels live in his boxes, babies becoming mothers, and those babies maturing to start their own little squirrel families. All because he gave them a place to thrive without a constant fear of being gobbled up.

John's goal is not to domesticate them, he states himself that he wants them to have a healthy fear of humans. He doesn't want them to become dependent on him or for them to become his pets, but he does want to make their lives a little easier and step in when they can't ask for help.

The cherry on top is that we all get to see now how cute these critters can be, and that alone is enough to stop whatever you're doing and watch the video below for a few minutes. We guarantee it.

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via @squirrel_boxes, @geobeats
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via @MarioNawfal
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via @squirrel_boxes, @geobeats
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via @squirrel_boxes, @geobeats
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via @squirrel_boxes, @geobeats
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via @squirrel_boxes, @geobeats
Imagine living your whole life afraid. Your brain can't turn off because it's focused on one thing - survival. Then, imagine finding a place that keeps you warm and protected, a place where you can finally relax for a while and sleep easily. That feeling is what these squirrels are experiencing, for the very first time, probably ever.
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via @squirrel_boxes, @geobeats
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via @squirrel_boxes, @geobeats
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via @squirrel_boxes, @geobeats
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via @squirrel_boxes, @geobeats
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via @squirrel_boxes, @geobeats
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via @squirrel_boxes, @geobeats
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via @squirrel_boxes, @geobeats
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via @squirrel_boxes, @geobeats
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via @squirrel_boxes, @geobeats
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via @squirrel_boxes, @geobeats
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via @squirrel_boxes, @geobeats
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via @squirrel_boxes, @geobeats
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via @squirrel_boxes, @geobeats
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via @MarioNawfal, @squirrel_boxes, @geobeats