Pictured: The weightlifting squirrel who is certainly not coconut shy



If they had an Olympic Games for the animal world, this little fellow would high-tail it away with every gold medal in the weightlifting.



Hauling a hefty coconut into the air with consummate ease, the grey squirrel is going to extraordinary lengths as he prepares his hoard of food for the winter.



In one pose, he resembles Atlas - famous in Greek mythology for supporting the heavens on his shoulders - as he hoists the shell aloft.

This squirrel would win gold if there were Olympic Games for animals

The next moment, he buries his head inside the coconut.



Then, in a daring finish worthy of a circus strongman, the squirrel balances his prize on one little fist. The miniature marvel was spotted in the back garden of Vicky Walker, in Portchester, Fareham, near Portsmouth.

Some sceptics suggested the story might have strings attached - and the coconut was simply suspended from a piece of unseen twine.



But Vicky said: 'I was stunned when I first saw him trying to pick the coconut up.



'I know they are supposed to like nuts, but this one is in danger of overeating. 'He lifted it up and didn't realise at first what he was getting himself into.



'But, all credit to him, he lugged it above his head like it was an acorn.'

Was the squirrel copying Atlas, famous in Greek mythology for supporting the heavens on his shoulders?