A few years ago, TikTok user Adam discovered he had some tiny new neighbors after moving into his home: a group of adorable chipmunks living around his yard.
“I would always see them in my garden and yard,” Adam told The Dodo. “I have at least three that I’m aware of. This is my second year with the little guys.”
Wanting to make friends, Adam started leaving small piles of nuts out for the chipmunks, helping keep their bellies full.
Over time, the little creatures began to trust him — so much so that they no longer waited for him to put down the snacks.
“I love our interactions,” Adam said. “It makes me feel like I’m connecting with nature.”
But one recent encounter gave Adam an unexpected surprise. As he offered a chipmunk some nuts, the little animal returned the gesture — not with money, but with a handful of leaves:
Adam isn’t sure the leaves were meant as a literal “payment.” He suspects the chipmunk was collecting bedding for its nest and just set them down to grab a snack.
Still, the moment was magical.
“[An interaction like this] makes me believe in magic, as weird as it sounds,” Adam said.
Even if the chipmunk wasn’t trying to repay him, Adam feels his kindness is appreciated.
“I definitely think they appreciate the help filling their cheeks,” he said. “That comes as its own reward.”
