From fans to fruit: TX woman opens backyard ‘squirrel resort’ to help cool off critters

As the ‘dog days of summer’ approach in Texas, one woman in New Braunfels doesn’t view them as such.

“We have our squirrel resort,” remarked Breyana Elwell, sitting on her porch.

The idea began last summer during a Texas drought and heatwave when Elwell placed a fan on the porch rail to help her family stay cool and keep flies away.

“I peeked through the window and saw a little squirrel lounging right in front of it,” Elwell recalled. This inspired her.

“I took action,” Elwell continued. “I rummaged through our freezer, grabbed some fresh fruits, water, and nuts I ordered online.”

She set up a squirrel buffet on her porch along with a few fans.

“At first, there was only one squirrel on the porch at a time. Then it became two. Then three,” Elwell said. “When I saw six, I knew we needed to expand.”

The Elwells crafted a squirrel highway using a downed tree between the trees in their backyard, complete with fans, food, and entertainment.

“My husband probably thinks I’m crazy, but he’s the one who built it for me,” Elwell laughed. “It’s almost like a job now, but it’s more of a hobby because I love it so much!”

“It’s not really about the squirrels for me, because I actually have a phobia of rats and mice, and squirrels are basically fancy rats if you look closely,” Elwell admitted. “I think it’s just in my nature. I would help any creature.”

Elwell occasionally shares updates from her backyard ‘squirrel resort’ on Instagram and TikTok.

“I’m just excited to see what they’ll do next,” Elwell added with a smile.