People Can’t Get Enough Of This Guy’s Realistic Squirrel Warriors

Squirrel Warriors: Montana Artist’s Unlikely Uprising in Taxidermy

In the heart of Montana, artist Bob McEachern is stirring up an unlikely revolution, one tiny warrior at a time. His Squirrel Warriors, taxidermy squirrels dressed in buckskin and armed with bows, spears, and rifles, are taking the art world by storm, selling in mere seconds and fetching prices up to $2,800.

McEachern’s journey began when he decided to pursue his passion for taxidermy full-time in 2021. He found early success at art fairs but struggled to make ends meet. Then, in late 2022, he uploaded a video of his latest creation, "The Rabbit Rider," depicting a squirrel shooting a bow while riding a rabbit. The video went viral, catapulting McEachern into the spotlight and saving his fledgling business.

The appeal of McEachern’s art is multifaceted. Squirrels, with their anthropomorphic qualities and busy nature, are relatable and beloved. The narrative of survival and heroism embodied by the squirrels also resonates with buyers. McEachern believes there’s something deeper at play, something that speaks to people on an emotional level.

McEachern’s process is meticulous and time-consuming. He sources materials from the woods, learning primitive skills like brain-tanning hides and sewing with sinew. Each design must reflect the idea that the squirrels gathered their gear from the forest, and the art form must capture a moment of tension. Despite the demand, McEachern resists increasing production, preferring to keep supply low and demand high.

His art has taken on a life of its own, with customers eager to welcome these little warriors into their homes. McEachern has created cowboy, fly fishing, and even a Jedi squirrel, among others. "The Seeker," a squirrel wearing leather, furs, and a glowing cattail torch, is his favorite, embodying a sense of adventure and mystery.

While rare, McEachern occasionally faces criticism from those who question the ethics of his animal-centric art. He welcomes these conversations, seeing them as opportunities to learn and engage with his audience. Despite the occasional backlash, the care and authenticity he puts into his work have resonated with a broad audience, with sales leaders in Florida and California.

McEachern’s success has allowed him to pursue his passion full-time, but he doesn’t take his good fortune for granted. He continues to be fascinated by the popularity of his squirrel warriors and is grateful for the support of his wife, who has been instrumental in running the business.

If demand were to slow, McEachern might find time to return to another project: a book about pine squirrels. For now, though, he’s content to keep creating, one woodland warrior at a time.