Squirrels have long captured the hearts of many with their acrobatic antics and bushy tails. So, in honor of the recent Squirrel Appreciation Day, let’s explore seven nutty facts about squirrels that may surprise you.
There are squirrels galore!
Did you know there are more than 200 species of squirrels worldwide? They are generally categorized into three types: tree squirrels, ground squirrels and flying squirrels. While their appearances may vary, they share some common behaviors, making them adept at foraging and navigating their habitats.
The most common species in Alabama are Eastern Gray Squirrels and Fox Squirrels.
Their nutty diet.
As their name suggests, squirrels are known for their love of nuts. However, their diet is quite diverse! Squirrels also munch on seeds, fruits and even fungi. Their habit of storing food for winter can lead them to invade homes in search of a secure stash, potentially causing damage to your property.
Food storage specialists.
Squirrels are notorious for their nut-hoarding behavior. They can bury thousands of nuts each autumn to prepare for winter. Interestingly, they have a remarkable memory that helps them locate their hidden treasures. Although they sometimes forget some nuts, this inadvertently helps contribute to the growth of trees. Other buried nuts and food may become another’s meal.
But the smart squirrels have found a way to make up some loss to others. Squirrels will dig a hole and pretend to bury nuts to throw off rivals and anyone who may be watching. It’s a clever trick known as “deceptive caching.”
Teeth that never stop growing!
Here’s one of the nutty facts about squirrels that reminds us they are rodents. And like all rodents, squirrels have ever-growing front teeth. They gnaw on hard substances, including wood, nuts and plastic, to keep their teeth from getting too long.
Unfortunately, this natural behavior can lead them to chew on wires, wood and insulation within your home, resulting in costly repairs.
Expert climbers and jumpers.
Squirrels are incredibly agile creatures, capable of leaping distances up to 10 times their body length. This skill allows them to navigate treetops and rooftops with ease. However, it also means they can easily access your attic or chimney, making it crucial to ensure your home is squirrel-proof.
Big talkers.
Squirrels have a complex system of communication. Through high-pitched vocalizations and tail movements, they can communicate with other squirrels, alert neighbors of predators, scold a predator, intimidate rivals, initiate mating and more.
They were added to city parks in the U.S.
Wrapping up our list of nutty facts about squirrels for now is one you may not have known. In the 19th century, humans introduced squirrels into major city parks such as Central Park and Harvard Square. The idea was that introducing small animals like squirrels, sparrows, and starlings would enhance the parks’ natural charm, allowing visitors to connect with nature.
Summary
In the end, squirrels are fascinating creatures to watch in nature but having them in your home can lead to problems. If you see signs of squirrels in your home such as noises in the attic or walls during the day or signs of chewing or droppings, don’t hesitate to contact Pesty Critters Wildlife Control for professional help! Read our blogs to learn more about common pesky wildlife and our services.
