Last summer, Breyana Elwell’s husband set up a fan on their front porch to ward off mosquitoes. Little did they know, this fan would soon become a haven for the neighborhood rodents during the sweltering Texas heat. One morning, after playing on the porch with her toddler, Elwell forgot to turn off the fan. Later, she noticed a squirrel sprawled out in front of it, clearly relishing the cool breeze.
“We were in the middle of a drought; it was so hot,” Elwell said. “He stayed there for quite some time. “The thermometer soared past 100 degrees. Despite never being particularly fond of squirrels, Elwell said she felt a pang of sympathy for the overheated creature. “He looked like he was just in so much relief, (from the fan),” she said.
The following day, Elwell, who lives on a five-acre property in New Braunfels with her husband and two young sons, decided to keep the fan running. To her surprise, two squirrels showed up. Recognizing the opportunity to help, she began making fruit-filled ice cubes for the squirrels to snack on.
They were coming (to the fan) every single day,” Elwell said.
“I’m not too fond of rodents,” she said. “They can be dirty; they can be destructive.” Yet, in the oppressive heat, she was happy to provide a respite for the squirrels. Gradually, she found herself charmed by their determined antics. Elwell soon expanded her offerings, setting up multiple battery-powered fans, and a variety of snacks: nuts, seeds, dried cranberries, and corn. Given the drought conditions, she also put out a small bucket of water and, for her own amusement, she said, a sign that read: “Welcome squirrels.” Elwell even created a “courtyard” for them to hang out in.
When she posted a video of her squirrel setup on social media, it quickly gained attention. People dubbed it a “squirrel spa” and a “squirrel B&B.” Companies even sent her free fans, and she now has ten. Inspired, Elwell decided to construct a full “squirrel resort” – a sanctuary where the critters could find food, rest, and relaxation. She placed logs between the trees, creating a makeshift highway for the squirrels. “As much as it is for them, it’s for me as well,” Elwell said. Her sons, aged 3 and 10, also loved watching the squirrels. “It’s very therapeutic.”
Elwell spends about two hours each morning setting up the resort, which she and her husband moved from their porch into the woods, about 50 feet from their home. Her routine includes placing batteries in the fans, preparing various treats, and arranging the resort components. Each night, she dismantles the setup to protect it from their dogs, only to rebuild it the next morning.
The squirrel spa created by the Elwell family to help the local squirrels survive the Texas heat. Photo courtesy of the family
The resort features a vintage dollhouse from a thrift store, mini picnic benches, a water fountain, decorative squirrel statues, and several feeding vessels. Occasionally, deer and stray cats also stop by for a snack. “That’s just the start of it,” Elwell said, explaining her extensive research on wildlife feeding. “I have so many more ideas.” Elwell and her husband spend between $100 and $300 monthly on the resort’s upkeep and enhancements.
It can be pricey,” Elwell admitted, “but it brings joy to me and others, so it’s just worth it.”
Elwell keeps a safe distance from the squirrels, who typically run when she gets near them. “I just like looking at them. I like watching them, and I like providing for them,” she said. “Sometimes I’ll peek out the window, and they just look at me.” The squirrel resort is has the most visits, Elwell said, during the hot summer months. But she makes sure there is food year-round. “It’s something we’ve committed to, and the animals are here for it,” Elwell said. “We don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.”
