Is my car going to blow up?

I was sitting in my living room, relaxing and reading One Gear, No Breaks (great book!) when I heard a very repetitive chirping noise. I went outside to investigate and it was coming from my car. I thought maybe it was the alarm system. But, no, turning the alarm off and turning it back on had no effect on the chirping. I was becoming a bit alarmed, as I had no idea what was causing this. The chirping was quite loud and coming from the engine compartment. It was particularly loud on the passenger side of the car.

The I realize Gray Kitty (a feral) is sitting under the car and looking quite intently up at something. I think maybe, it's a bird...crazy bird flew into the car.
No... it's a gray squirrel. Where did the darn thing come from? We have no squirrels in our neighborhood because there are so many ferals.

Gray Kitty is a particularly friendly feral and comes when I call her. She came out from under the car and I petted her for a bit. But the darn squirrel didn't come out. He is still alive because I lightly poked him with a broom handle. Poor guy must be terrified. I'd like this to end well for him...


Veronica

Inspect your wiring carefully once you get him out. Rodents love automotive wiring, and they can cause MAJOR damage.

Mice are the most common, but we've had squirrels.

Do you park somewhere you could leave your hood open? That might make it easier for the squirrel to get out without running right into the cat.

When Thom got home he "encouraged" him to leave while I distracted the cats. The squirrel was in the wheel well so I don't think he had anything to chew on. Poor guy took off like a shot.

Veronica