Acorn Crew: Squirrels

Posted on November 21, 2024 in Blog

An eastern gray squirrel chews a nut, photo by Larry Reis

^{An eastern gray squirrel chews on a walnut on a snowy winter day. Squirrels, like other rodents, have iron-rich enamel to help them chew hard things like walnuts. The enamel gives their teeth an orange color. Photo by Larry Reis}

As the leaves fall and the cold weather settles in, squirrels become more and more apparent — a perfect time to learn more about them. This time of year, these entertaining critters are busy fattening up and preparing for winter. Read these fun facts, explore some squirrel-themed books and then head outdoors to see some squirrels!

Fun squirrel facts:

Among many ways of communicating, squirrels can bark! They may also squeak, chatter or grunt.
There are four common tree squirrels found in Iowa, including the well known fox squirrels (Sciurus niger) and eastern gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis). Southern flying squirrels (Glaucomys volans) and red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) are also found in Iowa but are not very common.
Squirrels can swim.
A squirrel’s tail is one of its most important tools. Squirrels use their tails to communicate, distract and ward off predators and to help with balance.
Squirrels are great acrobats. They can jump up to six feet between branches and jump vertically as much as five feet.
Squirrels mate in December and January and usually have their kits in February.
While most of us think of squirrels eating nuts, they will also eat berries, roots and sources of protein like eggs or small rodents and snakes.

Three activities to observe squirrels outdoors:

Look for squirrel nests, called dreys. These are usually stick and leaf structures built in branches or in the crooks of tree trunks. How many can you find?
Search for nuts that show signs of squirrels feeding on them or watch a squirrel eating and caching nuts. Listen closely, and you may even be able to hear the chewing sounds.
Set out several kinds of nuts for the squirrels in your yard to see what they prefer. You could try walnuts, hickory nuts, acorns and other food sources like cracked corn.