Squirrel steals 150 Christmas lights in 24 hours

Caught in the act - the Bulb Bandit. Photo / Youtube / Margaret Rican

A family in Seattle were perplexed when bulbs started going missing from the Christmas lights they'd used to decorate their house.

However, they eventually discovered who the culprit was - a kleptomaniac squirrel was pilfering the bulbs, swiping 150 of them in one day.

Margaret Rican, victim of the furry thief, has been documenting the animal's efforts on YouTube, telling viewers: "The holiday season is upon us, and people are feeling festive with holiday lights, always fearing that the Grinch will steal Christmas.

"This year, we found a new thief. He's a little squirrel that we are calling the Bulb Bandit.

"We want to believe that this little varmint is decorating his nest, but really, we think that he believes these to be food. He has stolen 150 in 24 hours, carefully and precisely chewing through the wires to steal the bulb and bury them around the neighbourhood.

"He's the hardest working rodent we've ever seen. and we are really pulling for him, and hoping he survives this winter. He's a quick little bandit, with really good hops."

Mrs Rican didn't let on whether she's been replacing the missing light - but if the Bulb Bandit carries on at his current rate, it looks like she'd have a never-ending job.