I have a very special relationship with squirrels - I'm not exactly sure that they like me, or the way that I insist on trying to learn their language. I think it entirely possible that a sneaky one taught me a horrible swear-word, and I've been repeating-it in ignorance for years, while trying to greet them. At any rate, they are as fascinated by me as I by them - and not just when they are within begging-range (a Pavlovian trope for which I'd claim no credit).