Squirrels

by Stan Tekiela
© 2004 NatureSmart
April 4, 2004

Feeling a bit squirrelly lately? Maybe a touch of spring fever? Well, so are the squirrels in your backyard. Many people are reporting that their squirrels are exhibiting strange and unusual behaviors. The squirrels have been seen chasing each other across the ground, up trees and tumbling back down to the ground again. This outrageous behavior is all contributed to one thing--mating. Each spring our friendly backyard squirrels are establishing or reinforcing mates by an elaborate system of chasing each other.

There are 60 different kinds of squirrels in North America each falling into one of two groups—ground squirrels and tree squirrels. Let’s look at a few of the "tree" squirrels.

One of the most common squirrels is the Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus coaolinensis). It is large, 8-10" long, with a gray coat, hence the common name, and a white belly. They are often rusty red around the head and ears.

Not all Gray Squirrels are gray, some are jet black. These are known as the black morph or black phase of the gray squirrel. The term "phase" or "morph" might make you think that their black color is temporary but it’s not. They are born black and will stay black their entire life.

The largest tree squirrel is the Fox Squirrel (Sciurus niger). It is 10-15" long, orangeish-red in color with a tan colored face and undersides. Their color is similar to the red fox, hence its common name.

The most aggressive squirrel is the American Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus). This powerhouse is only 7-8" and is often seen chasing larger squirrels and even birds. Covered in a rich red coat it has a pure white belly.

The smallest squirrel is the Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus). It is only 5-6" long. It is a one of the most abundant squirrels but since it is nocturnal (comes out at night) it’s rarely seen.

The scientific name for squirrels, Sciurus combines the Greek word skia for "shadow" and oura for "tail" to indicate that they are the only animals that can sit in the shadow of their own tail. A squirrel’s tail is functional in many ways. It is used for balance when climbing or as a parachute to slow their descent in preparation for landing when leaping from tree to tree. It is also used for warmth, like a blanket, and as a communication device to signal displeasure. The more agitated the squirrel, the faster it flicks its tail back and forth.

Squirrels usually live out their entire lives within 200 yards of their home. The exception to this occurs usually during the mating season (right now) when males may range widely in search of a mate. Mothers and babies stay together for up to 6 months after birth. Mothers can have two to three liters each year, consisting of three to five, babies.

Until next time...