Small to medium-sized rodents, squirrels are members of the family Sciuridae. This family includes ground squirrels, chipmunks, marmots, flying squirrels, and prairie dogs. They are rather ubiquitous, especially in urban and woodland regions of the globe. As soon as you experience the squirrels in the outdoor areas of your house, the first thing to do is to think of quick squirrel control strategies. Through this guide, we will explain some exciting facts on squirrels to surprise you. Let’s dive into the discussion below.
Into the world of squirrel control: Unlocking interesting facts
Motivated to move around all the time
When being motivated by food, squirrels get extremely good at tackling obstacle courses. Different studies have proved that they are reliable enough to find effective shortcuts, walk along the tightrope, and balance on unstable planks. They put all these efforts just to searching for their next meal or snack.
Their tooth never stops growing.
Squirrels’ gnawing activity makes sense because their teeth are constantly growing. Any object that might help to wear down their teeth to a reasonable size will be chewed upon by squirrels. Like other rodents who have continuous tooth development throughout life, if for any reason (injury, etc.) they cannot keep the teeth ground down, they can become saber-toothed.
They have impressive jumping skills.
You will be so impressed by their jumping skills. They can quickly leap to almost five feet into the air and then jump between objects almost ten feet apart. Well, they have the hidden talent of even jumping from higher surfaces. Safe arrival is always possible due to their padded feet.
Extreme speed and agility
With many of them able to run straight up a tree at twelve miles an hour, squirrels are also good sprinters. Their great reflexes and quickness also enable them to evade harmful predators such as rattlesnakes. To avoid some of their natural enemies, they have evolved other ingenious strategies. Particularly, dead rattlesnake skin is chewed by squirrels before they lick themselves. This will lead scent-tracking predators to believe they are following a dangerous snake instead of a helpless squirrel.
Showcase smart group behavior
Though tiny, squirrels can show intelligent group behavior that lets them outshine far more giant creatures. One example, for instance, details a troop of Russian squirrels who attacked, killed, and ate a dog following an aggressive approach. Although this kind of attack is rare, analysts thought that insufficient food supply had a part in it.
Excellent swimmers
Though most squirrels avoid water, many of them are excellent swimmers. Their swimming technique mimics the “doggy paddle” and uses the broad tail as a rudder.
Albino squirrels Exist
Though rare, Albino squirrels occur in various areas of the United States. Consequently, a group known as the Albino Squirrel Preservation Society strives to save these odd animals. There are two types of white squirrels: Albino squirrels and a rare morph of the eastern grey squirrel.
They are pet-friendly
Japan has designed particular “squirrel gardens” where, by wearing protective gloves, you can pet the friendly resident squirrels. Most squirrels seen in these gardens would even come up onto your arm and are content to eat from a hand. You will find their presence as pets in many houses.
Female squirrels get bad-tempered in spring.
Spring brings incredibly bad-tempered female squirrels as hormonal changes cause them to defend their nests. If strangers approach the nest, this defensiveness becomes violent. As if you are approaching them, make sure you carry a friendly and caring attitude towards them.
Are squirrels dangerous for humans?
Well, most people would not mention squirrels as threatening to humans. But under specific circumstances, they can cause particular problems! Squirrels are wild animals. If they feel threatened, they might bite or scratch in self-defense. Although their bites are often not fatal, they can cause illnesses if improperly handled.
Squirrels can be carriers of diseases, much as many wild animals. Among the diseases they might spread are:
- Rabies, however, is rare in squirrels
- Leptospirosis is
- Lyme disease (via ticks they might carry)
Strong teeth and a love of chewing on objects define squirrels. ChewingChewing on wiring, insulation, and even wooden constructions can harm houses. If they chew on electrical wire, this could provide a fire hazard.
How long does the squirrel survive?
The species and environmental conditions like predators, food availability, and habitat determine how long squirrels live. Usually, the lifespan of wild squirrels is six to twelve years. For example, Eastern grey squirrels can live up to 12 years in the wild. Yet many do not survive their first year because of predators and mishaps. Surviving for almost 20 years, captive squirrels enjoy a more stable food supply and are sheltered from predators.
Reproduction and mating cycle of squirrels
Squirrels, like most mammals, reproduce sexually by mating males and females. Let’s have an overview of their reproductive process.
- Generally, depending on their species, squirrels mate once or twice a year. Usually, in temperate climates, late winter (between January and February) and late spring or summer (between June and August) comprise two breeding seasons.
- Male squirrels aggressively search out females throughout the breeding season. Men compete with each other for women; they typically pursue them over the ground and around trees in courting.
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