There doesn't seem to be much neutrality when it comes to squirrels. People either seem to love or loath them. My mother adored them. She adored birds too (and just about any other animal,) and she provided ample food for both. They knew very well that all they needed to do was come to her kitchen window and look cute (which comes pretty natural) and my mother would produce peanuts, roasted by herself, of course.
There are three kinds of squirrels in our area, greys, reds and fox squirrels. Many folks also add black squirrels, however they are the same as the grey kind. They are all in the rodent family along with rats, mice, chipmunks, groundhogs and prairie dogs.
Being highly adaptable, squirrels have become city and town dwellers, much to many bird lovers disgust. Grey squirrels are the most common by far, being grey or brownish grey (with a rare few being black) with a buff coloured underbelly. Red squirrels are less common. Reds are smaller than greys and are red with whitish underparts. Least common is the fox squirrel, who is larger than the grey (about as large as a small cat,) but marked similar. A few varieties of the fox squirrel in the Delmarva area which are on the endangered list.
Those bushy tails actually serve a vital purpose, helping the squirrel balance when climbing and jumping, slowing the fall when jumping from one object to another. When the squirrel becomes distressed, they will flick their tails back and forth and chatter loudly to warn their neighbours.
Perhaps the most unusual thing about squirrels is their teeth. Being members of the rodent family, squirrel's have rootless teeth which never stop growing. Because of this, these animals must continuously gnaw to wear the teeth down. If they do not gnaw, their teeth will grow so long the squirrel cannot eat!
Squirrels are the only one of their species which are active mostly during the day. They are predominantly herbivores preferring seeds, roots, stems, bark, fruits, nuts and flower bulbs. Very rarely, they will east insects.
Red squirrels will store food where they live, while greys will "hide"../../../ it in many places. They usually store far more than they actually need and it is true that they often forget where they stashed it! That forgetfulness is actually beneficial because it aids in restoration of plants when the forgotten seeds take root and grow in a new location.
Squirrels generally build their nests in trees, in hollow trunks or forks between thick branches, using moss, twigs, and dry leaves. Adaptation has caused squirrels to also gnaw larger holes in birdhouses and moving in, or using attics. Although squirrels do not hibernate, they will spend long periods of time in their nests during winter months. This is especially true of red squirrels, who have their food close at hand.
Conflict with humans arises when squirrels make a pest of themselves around bird feeders, gardens, or especially when they nest in human houses. They can indeed make a real mess! It has led to a whole variety of "squirrel-proof"../../../ birdfeeders!
Squirrels generally have two litters per year, beginning their mating in January. Gestation is about 44 days and litters from two to five are common. Mother squirrels maintain several nesting sites and are good caretakers of their young. She will usually retrieve the young from a fallen nest even if the tree has been removed, and move them to an alternate nest.
It's not all fun and games for squirrels, they do have enemies. Hawks love squirrels, snakes will attack young squirrels in the nest and by far the worst enemy of squirrels is the house cat.
Few animals are more fun to watch than squirrels when they are frolicking, jumping, hopping and somersaulting while romping with one another. Whether you love or loath them; when all is said and tried, squirrels may be giving us the greatest gift of all, by allowing us a little closer to nature in our own back yards.
The author wishes to dedicate this article to Grace E. Miles, loving mother. 12/9/28-11/6/01
"You're in the arms of the angels,
May you find some comfort there."
Copyright © 2002 Kathy A. Miles and Charles F. Peters II