This incredible photo shows a bald eagle and a squirrel having a staring contest

Well, here’s something you don’t see every day! A photographer in Lincoln, Maine, caught an unusual interaction between two wild creatures out behind his local Rite Aid store and, naturally, it has gone viral.

The stand-off between a bald eagle and its potential prey, a regular gray squirrel, has earned more than 27,000 shares on Facebook. The Facebook page earned thousands of comments speculating on everything from the squirrel’s motivations to the result of the encounter.

Roger Stevens Jr., a photographer who sometimes speaks to local groups about wildlife photography, spoke to the Daily Mail about what he observed.

“We’ve since figured out, I’ve talked to a biologist, that this time of year squirrel babies are being born and we think this is a mother squirrel with a nest in the tree and she’s telling the eagle to get out of there,” said Stevens. “When I do the talks they always ask me what is the most dangerous animal you have photographed? And I always say any animal that’s a mom with her babies.”

Stevens shared a few more images of the unusual interaction, too. Don’t take your eyes off that eagle, little lady!

Don’t worry — the squirrel did eventually escape. Stevens noted in the comments of the viral photo, “It was a draw! Squirrel got to keep his tree and eagle flew away!”

Here’s an image from after the 10-minute standoff, when the squirrel had retreated back into the tree.

Stevens has already published seven photography books containing his images of Maine wildlife. In the comments section for the viral image, he says his eighth book will focus on eagles. A local news source reported that the now-famous image will be included in that new book.

At Stevens’ business Facebook page at Maine Focus Photography, he shows off his skill at capturing wildlife photos. Here’s one of a beautiful owl:

Here’s a gorgeous image of a wood duck on the water!

And here’s a cute picture that was also used in his 2014 book, “June the Loon: The Story of a Maine Loon Chick.”

Given this lucky photographer’s expertise at amazing animal images, we’re looking forward to seeing more!