Celebrate Squirrel Appreciation Day With A Closer Look at Nature’s Gardeners

Squirrel Appreciation Day, observed on January 21st every year, may not be as well-known as some other holidays, but it offers a unique opportunity to recognize and appreciate the fascinating world of squirrels.

These small, bushy-tailed creatures often go unnoticed in our daily lives, but they play a significant role in our ecosystems and offer more surprises than one might expect.

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Over 270 squirrel species exist worldwide.

Squirrel Diversity Across the Globe

Squirrels are a diverse group of rodents, with over 200 different species inhabiting various parts of the world. Remarkably, they have made their homes on every continent except for Australia and Antarctica. These rodents fall into three main categories, according to The Wildlife Community: tree squirrels, ground squirrels, and flying squirrels.

• Tree Squirrels: As the name suggests, tree squirrels primarily inhabit trees, where they nest, forage, and find safety from predators. They come in various colors and sizes, with some being known for their impressive agility and acrobatics.
• Ground Squirrels: Ground squirrels, slightly larger and less varied in coloration than their tree-dwelling counterparts, often have brownish fur with white spots. They spend more time on the ground but are not limited to it.
• Flying Squirrels: Flying squirrels, although they don’t actually “fly,” glide through the air using a special membrane called the patagium, connecting their front and hind legs. Some have even been recorded gliding over 300 feet!

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Tree squirrels are masters of maneuverability, with sharp claws and counterbalancing tails.

Fascinating Squirrel Facts

Squirrels may appear simple, but their lives are full of interesting behaviors and adaptations, reports Welcome Wildlife:

• Sensory Superstars: Certain squirrel species can find buried food beneath a foot of snow, thanks to their keen sense of smell.
• Food Hoarders: Squirrels often bury their food to save it for later. However, they must remain vigilant, as other squirrels may pilfer their caches.
• Zigzag Escapes: When fleeing from predators, squirrels use a zigzag running pattern, which can confuse natural enemies but poses a challenge when encountering vehicles, National Wildlife Federation reports.
• City Squirrels: In the 1800s, squirrels were introduced to city parks to add interest and entertainment to urban environments, Treehugger reports.
• Weight Gain for Winter: While squirrels don’t hibernate, they pack on extra weight in preparation for the lean winter months.
• Tree Planters: Squirrels play an essential role in reforestation by not unearthing all the nuts they bury, inadvertently planting countless trees.

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Squirrels help disperse and regenerate trees by caching nuts.

Squirrels Come in All Shapes and Sizes

Squirrels are not one-size-fits-all. They come in various sizes and colors, from the African Pygmy Squirrel, the smallest of all species, to the Black Giant Squirrel, the largest. In the United States, you can encounter species like the Douglas squirrel, California ground squirrel, Northern flying squirrel, and the Western gray squirrel, LiveScience reports.

Squirrels in Human Care: A Cautionary Tale

As much as some people idealize raising baby wild animals as pets, it’s essential to understand that it’s not only illegal but also dangerous. Squirrels raised in human care may display aggression, require specialized care and food, and are ill-suited for the typical home environment, reports Veterinary Information Network. Attempting to domesticate them can lead to injuries, both for the squirrels and their human caregivers.

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Squirrels plant trees by forgetting where they bury nuts.

Why Should We Appreciate Squirrels?

Squirrels may sometimes be seen as a nuisance, raiding bird feeders and causing minor inconveniences. Still, they contribute significantly to the ecosystems they inhabit, and there are many compelling reasons to appreciate them:

They Chew for Survival

Squirrels’ incessant chewing is not just a habit; it’s a survival mechanism. Their front teeth continuously grow, and if not worn down through chewing, they could grow into their lower jaw and skull, reports Nature Canada.

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Squirrel teeth continuously grow, necessitating constant chewing.

Nature’s Gardeners

Squirrels have a vital role in shaping plant composition in forests. They collect and bury seeds, inadvertently planting trees and changing the composition of forests over time, the University of Florida reports.

Intriguing Behaviors

Squirrels exhibit curious behaviors that entertain and mystify us. For instance, as National Geographic reports, they mark seeds with their scent by rubbing their faces on them. But their chases aren’t always playful; they can be mating rituals.

Communication through Tails

Squirrels use their tails as a means of communication, flicking them to signal warnings or assert dominance, reports The Mercury News reports. They may even scold humans when we approach their territories.

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Squirrels play a vital role in shaping plant composition in forests.

Diverse Species

Squirrels are not just gray; they come in various colors and sizes, with unique characteristics. For example, the flying squirrel glides through the air thanks to skin flaps between its legs.

Conservation Importance

Studies show squirrels adapt to human-altered habitats, making them a vital part of our urban and suburban landscapes. Understanding their behavior and preserving their habitats is crucial for conservation efforts.

On Squirrel Appreciation Day, and other opportunities you have throughout the year, take a moment to observe and appreciate these small, resilient creatures that share our world. While they may occasionally test our patience, their unique qualities and contributions to our environment are well worth celebrating. So, next time you spot a squirrel in your backyard or a nearby park, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of nature’s acrobats.

For now, click below and make a commitment to celebrate our wild and fuzzy friends — squirrels!