ORLANDO, Fla. — You can now meet a fuzzy new friend for the holidays at Universal Orlando Resort.

Earl the Squirrel, inspired by a mischievous squirrel from a real-life Universal tale, will be available to meet and greet guests on select days beginning Saturday through Jan. 2 at Universal Studios.

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The six-foot-tall, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed squirrel can be spotted sporting a festive “I Love Acorns” holiday sweater.

READ: Christmas festivities return to Universal Orlando this year including Grinchmas, holiday parade

Guests can also get their hands on new Earl the Squirrel merchandise with a dedicated room in this year’s Holiday Tribute Store, Earl the Squirrel’s Christmas Curios Museum and Emporium.

READ: Universal’s Holiday Tour: What to expect from this year’s celebration

Earl’s origin story stretches back more than a decade ago when Universal Orlando’s Entertainment team discovered a squirrel nestled in the park’s iconic Christmas tree. The squirrel had “an affinity for blue Christmas lights, often stealing strands and bringing them back to his nest,” Universal said.

Over the years, Universal has paid homage to the squirrel by placing a lifelike squirrel in the Christmas tree for guests to find.

READ: Your guide to holiday events in Central Florida

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