Astonishing photos of squirrels playing chess, waving wands and even handing over a flower

Wildlife photographer Geert Weggen spent years gaining the animals’ trust

For the past eight years, Geert Weggen, has invested his time bonding with red squirrels living near his home.

Over time the Swedish photographer learned that by leaving trails of nuts and acorns, he was able to win the creatures’ trust.

Weggen put together an outdoor studio built entirely of wood, plants and trees on the balcony outside his kitchen.

He often waits for hours to get the perfect image, which he takes with a remote camera.

He said: ”I create scenes with small props and toys in which I hides nuts to attract the squirrels.

“I then wait, often for hours, for the squirrels to find the hidden nuts and for the right moment to take my photos.

“Some of the squirrels are very curious and don’t shy away from human interaction.

“Sometimes they crawl on me and even enter my home, but mostly they tend to congregate wherever there are nuts.”

Sasha Gill​, SWNS