
Frank Page, the creator of Bob the Squirrel, highlighted a significant topic for me.
Established in 2001 by Christy Hargrove, a wildlife rehabilitator at the Western North Carolina Nature Center, January 21st marks Squirrel Appreciation Day. What are some ways to honor this special day? The possibilities are endless!
Discover Fascinating Facts About Squirrels
Photograph by Yathin S Krishnappa.
With over 200 species spread across six continents, squirrels are incredibly diverse. The Indian Giant Squirrel, for instance, measures around 14 inches in body length, excluding its impressive two-foot tail. Among the 44 species of flying squirrels, which glide rather than fly, their sudden appearances can be quite startling. Discovering fascinating squirrel facts is both easy and entertaining.
Explore the History of Squirrels
Squirrels have a more intriguing history than many realize. While not naturally urban creatures, they are now a common sight in city parks across America, placed there intentionally for human enjoyment. However, the Eastern Grey Squirrel, introduced to Europe in 1948, has become a problem, outcompeting native red squirrels and earning a reputation as an invasive species.
Witness the Growth of a Squirrel
Baby squirrels are rarely seen in backyards because they remain concealed in their nests until they closely resemble adults. Fortunately, the internet allows us to glimpse their early stages. Redditor Nadtacular discovered one while opening a bag of mulch. Alive and well, the baby squirrel, named Zip, was raised as a pet. An album documents Zip's growth over the first five weeks.
Discover Famous Squirrels
From pop culture to real life, famous squirrels have made their mark. I previously shared a list of notable squirrels. Among them is Scrat, the prehistoric squirrel from the Ice Age films.
The list of famous squirrels continues to grow. Jill Harness introduced us to Winkelhimer The Painting Squirrel, a unique and talented rodent.
Enjoy Squirrel Videos
Check out some adorable and hilarious squirrel videos in a post by Chris Higgins. Don't miss this other one.
Turn Them Into Memes
DeviantART user Santiago-Perez captured a squirrel in a heroic pose and transformed it into a superhero. Explore this squirrel dressed in twenty unique outfits in his gallery.
Experience the Thrills
Timur Bekmambetov, the director of Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter, is developing a horror movie about squirrels, drawing parallels to Hitchcock's The Birds. Titled simply Squirrels, the film has no release date yet, but you can get a sneak peek by watching the pre-production trailer.
Grieve for Them
While some view squirrels as pests or even a food source, others find them endearing. This timeless piece from Bad Newspaper might initially amuse you, but it could also leave you feeling remorseful for finding humor in it.
Honor Another Squirrel
Photo by Aaron Silvers.
With your newfound knowledge about squirrels, you’ll be prepared for the upcoming holiday on February second. While many think of the Super Bowl, this year it coincides with Groundhog Day. Interestingly, groundhogs belong to the Sciuridae family, making them a type of squirrel!
In reality, there are numerous ways to admire squirrels both offline and online. Consider offering them food, as they might have misplaced their hidden nuts. Additionally, you can contribute to a wildlife conservation group of your choice. Wishing you a joyful Squirrel Appreciation Day!
