Pictured: Squirrel mother goes nuts and attacks dog trying to eat her baby



They have a bit of a reputation for a vicious streak, but this dog certainly got more than it bargained for after pouncing on a baby squirrel it found on the ground.

Moments before the hapless baby would have been torn apart, these images show its mother appearing to leap off a nearby tree and attacking the surprised dog.

Barking mad: The squirrel gets ready to leap off the tree and its terrified baby is pounced on by the dog

Using its sharp teeth and claws, the squirrel tore into its canine opponent and distracted it so the baby could escape to freedom.

It is unclear if the images have been edited, but the startled dog appears in considerable pain as the squirrel bites into its flank.

The surprise assault gives the baby squirrel just enough time to climb back up the nearby tree before its mother is thrown clear and escapes from the dog.

The baby squirrel appears to have fallen to the ground as it was being helped up the tree.

Make it snappy: The plucky creature bites and claws the dog, allowing its baby to escape certain death

That's my baby! The dog snarls in pain as the squirrel leaps in to attack it - and the baby makes a leap for the safety of the tree

Spotting the helpless creature on the ground, the dog pounces and traps it underneath its front paws as it closes for the kill.

But it appears to have underestimated its diminutive opponent, as the brave mother squirrel clearly has no intention of letting her baby become dinner and rushes to its aid by jumping on the dog's head.

After the whirlwind attack the mother squirrel springs free of the dog and rushes her baby back up into the safety of the tree.

The frustrated dog is left sitting forlornly at the base of the tree as its prey escapes into the upper branches.

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Thanks mum: The heroic squirrel ushers its baby back up the tree to safety