A mousy-brown fluff ball of a squirrel took a shine to Central Park ranger Mark Swift on Tuesday and has been following him about the picturesque site ever since.

Notorious for eating out of bird feeders, digging in planting pots and generally causing havoc, little Oakley Junior just wanted to make friends.

Named after the park's mascot, six-foot high Oakley, the tiny creature has also got to know a few friendly faces at the children's play area and the Buttercross Tearooms.

Mr Swift said: "When I first spotted him, he was in the middle of the park just standing there. I went over to see if he was alright, thinking that he would run away but he just stood there, and when I started walking away, he followed me. I picked him up and then we were inseparable, it was so surreal."

The park ranger found an old hedgehog box where he could sleep but when his back was turned, quick-thinking Oakley Junior went back on the hunt for tasty treats including nuts and tomatoes from the locals' lunch boxes.

When he wasn't on a mission to feed his tiny stomach, Oakley Junior, who is said to be more obedient than most children, could be seen messing around with Mr Swift, walking from one hand to another across his shoulders and sitting on his head.

Mr Swift, who sees a whole range of wildlife on a daily basis, said he has never known an animal to be so friendly.

He said: "The squirrel was unbelievable. But I do think that, generally, animals are becoming more tame towards us humans. Maybe it is because we are trying to promote a family park and they want to join in.

"It was hard to constantly keep and eye on him and make sure he wasn't getting into any trouble. I was also worried that because he was so friendly, dogs or even humans would end up harming him."

Although they are often considered pests because of their persistent chewing on various edible and inedible objects, squirrels can also be trained as loyal pets and those living in parks and cities have also learned that humans are typically a ready source of food.

But for now, to keep Oakley Junior safe until he is fully grown, he has been found a new home with a local city woman who rescues wildlife and is keeping him with the dozens of other squirrels she has.

Read our Factfile on: grey squirrels