📰 Charlotte’s Pizza Squirrel Steals the Spotlight By Quarla Blackwell

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In a city known for its banking towers and bustling nightlife, one small creature has stolen the spotlight — and a slice of pizza. A squirrel in uptown Charlotte became a viral sensation after being filmed dragging a full slice of pepperoni pizza up a tree, sparking laughter and comparisons to New York’s famous “Pizza Rat.”

The video, captured by a passerby near a busy sidewalk, shows the squirrel gripping the oversized slice with determination. Birds swoop in, hoping to snatch a bite, but the squirrel fends them off. Inch by inch, it hauls the slice up the tree trunk, pausing only to adjust its grip before disappearing into the branches.

Charlotte residents quickly embraced the furry food thief. Social media lit up with jokes, one user writing: “Proof that squirrels are just tiny foodies with big dreams.” Another quipped: “Pizza Squirrel is living better than me — delivery straight to the treehouse.” Local pizza shops joined the fun, with one posting: “If Pizza Squirrel comes back, his next slice is on us.”

While lighthearted, the moment resonated with Charlotte’s spirit. The squirrel’s determination mirrored the city’s hustle, and its antics brought humor at a time when people needed it most. Just as New York has Pizza Rat, Charlotte now has Pizza Squirrel — a mascot of grit and appetite.

The clip has been shared thousands of times, cementing Pizza Squirrel as a local legend. For many, it’s a reminder that even in the middle of a busy city, nature finds a way to surprise — and entertain.

Charlotte’s Pizza Squirrel is more than a funny viral video. It’s a symbol of determination, humor, and the unexpected joy found in everyday life. In a season of heavy headlines, one squirrel reminded the city that sometimes the smallest creatures deliver the biggest laughs.