YouTuber Mark Rober makes an impressive 8-part 'Ninja Warrior' course for squirrels 🐿

He was fed up with them eating his bird seed

Building the Perfect Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder
Author: Anna Sky MagliolaPublished 26th May 2020
Last updated 26th May 2020

We've all been spending a lot more time at home during the lockdown, so like many, YouTuber Mark Rober decided to get a bird feeder to attract some more wildlife to his back garden.

However, it was clear that after trying out a few different bird feeders, the squirrels were very clever and just as keen as the birds to get some seeds and nuts!

Fed up with the squirrels getting a tasty supply of nuts, Mark uses his impressive engineering skills, and creates what he calls a 'Ninja Warrior' course for the squirrels. Taking direct inspiration from the game show, and similar ones such as Wipeout, the assault course includes a rope bridge, maze and the 'quad steps of great elevation'.

WATCH: Building the Perfect Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder

The four squirrels that attempt his assault course are given names, including the heaviest, Phat Gus, who likes, "to strike a pose". Despite carrying a bit of extra weight compared to the others, the squirrel makes it across the rope bridge, before having a "solid run" through the maze of a thousand corridors.

Phat Gus

However, after a few days of watching his squirrel visitors, Mark makes a discovery, which makes him rename, Phat Gus as Phantastic Gus, as it turns out she's female and PREGNANT!

As the course continues, the squirrels take on the pitchfork tumblers of treachery, a slinky bridge, and tourist trap. Although it takes a few days for Rick, Marty, Frank and Phat Gus to master the assault course they begin to learn and the outcome is seriously impressive!

Now take a look at why Forth 1 is a great companion during the lockdown:

We'll keep you entertained

We're here to make you laugh, cry and everything in between. We'll wake you up with Forth 1 Breakfast every weekday from 6am.

You're never far away from a throwback on Forth 1

We play the biggest throwbacks to remind you of great times, with everything from Basement Jaxx to Jax Jones.

Listening can bring you closer to others

Listening to the radio brings you closer with others. Don't forget we're only a call or tweet away!
We've got presenters here, who you can reach out to, to keep you company and build a sense of community unlike any other platform.


Check out the Forth 1 schedule.

You can still work from home

Unlike TV we can accompany you working from home, rather than distract you from work.

We'll keep you updated on the latest news

Unlike streaming you won't miss any important news updates

Make sure you don't miss our Throwback Weekend!

For great music and incredible competitions tune into Forth 1 on 97.3, DAB, online, on the Rayo app, or say ‘Play FORTH 1’ to your Smart Speaker. You’ll find new favourites every day and hear the songs you've missed from the last few years. From Boogie In The Morning, to Garry and Steven getting you home after work, we play you the biggest hits from the world's hottest artists.