Yet another example of how squirrels destroy the tech...

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_458450.html?menu=news.quirkies Nut-hunting squirrel flattens amateur inventor A part-time inventor suffered whiplash when a squirrel landed on his head as he was out testing a bird-feeding hat.

Mike Madden was walking through woodland when a large grey squirrel spied the nuts on his hat's feeding tray.

The squirrel landed with such force that Mr Madden was knocked to the ground and injured his neck.

Mr Madden, 48, who is a welder, has been taking pain-killers and wearing a neck brace since the accident. The accident happened near his home in Crackpot Cottage, Honley, Huddersfield in West Yorkshire. The contraption was destroyed. He has vowed not to build another.

He said: "I was out walking through the woods with my friend Craig Bailey. We had only just started the walk when kaboom - I was on the floor.

"I didn't see much of what happened but Craig told me he saw the squirrel flying through the air and land right on my head. The next morning I was in so much agony."

Mr Madden designed the hat so that birds could feed from it while he was out walking because he was concerned about their winter food supplies.

He did not think that other inhabitants of the woodlands would take an interest in it.

Mr Madden said: "Someone told me afterwards that with it coming up to winter and food being so short, squirrels can be quite aggressive and opportunistic. I wish I had known that before.

"I've always liked squirrels - but once you've had one land on your head travelling about 30mph you can easily go off them.

"I couldn't tell you exactly how much it weighed but I think it was about the size of a small puppy or kitten. It felt solid when it hit me but I was lucky really because it cold have taken my head off."

Story filed: 12:59 Monday 26th November 2001

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