Humans and animals can have incredibly strong ties, although we must be cautious about these when it comes to wildlife.

It’s more difficult to know exactly how we should behave towards wild animals, and we certainly mustn’t interfere with their natural instincts and ability to survive in the wild.

But in some situations, it may be appropriate to lend a helping hand, especially when it’s a question of life or death — and that’s how it all starts in this remarkable story.

It was in 2009 that Brantly Harrison and her family discovered a four week old squirrel that was near death after having been attacked by an owl.

Little did they know that this would be the beginning of a lifelong bond with the little creature.

The family brought the squirrel home and gave it food and care. They decided to call her Bella.

It didn’t take long for the Harrisons to get attached to their new little friend, writes Metro.

When Bella was well again, they released her back in the wild.

A visit some years later…

The family never thought they would see Bella again, but a year later they got a knock at their window, and there she was.

The little squirrel had certainly grown up, but she had not forgotten the family that had saved her life.

Bella continued to visit their garden regularly. For the Harrisons, she was a real part of the family.

Growing Family

One day, Bella visited again, this time tapping on their window with fervor, as if she wanted to tell them something important.

The family realized that Bella had hurt her foot, so they immediately took her in and provided antibiotics and a cozy box for her to recover in.

But that’s when they understood what Bella was really trying to tell them. As they lay her down in the box, they discovered three tiny baby squirrels — the three newcomers Bella obviously wanted to introduce to her other family.

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