Mr. Squirrel Came for a Visit

This morning during breakfast, I happened to look outside to see that Mr. Squirrel had come to visit. Mr. Squirrel is the patriarch of our neighborhood squirrels, at home in the trees, or scaling the 3-story apartment building atop which he raises his family, all the while, dedicated to making fools of the local cats.  

 I don't know how many generations of cats he has antagonized & humiliated, but he is clearly not intimidated by any of them, being faster, more agile & with the ability to go straight-up or down a sheer stucco building at will. Mr. Squirrel & I have had a relationship up until now, with him showing no fear & willing to approach me within 2-3 feet. When I talk to him, he makes eye contact with me & shows no fear.

chew marks - bark stripped

So I was more than a little upset & disappointed when I saw him happily chewing on the sole remaining branch & the new, green shoots that I have been counting on to keep the Hibiscus alive until he recovers from being severely cut-back. 

While my breakfast got cold, I went to rescue my plant. As I came out onto the patio, Mr. Squirrel greeted me & acted surprised that I would interrupt him..more handclapping, Mr. Squirrel retreated & hasn't returned today, but as you can see from the photo, he did strip some bark in an attempt to get at the green wood underneath & he ate about half of the new green shoots on the branch.

I don't think the minor damage done will kill the plant.