Squirrel Appreciation Day
Squirrel Appreciation Day is a holiday that celebrates the cute and quirky ground and tree-living creatures. This holiday falls on January 21st each year, and it’s an opportunity for people to learn more about squirrels and admire their resilience in the wild.
The origins of Squirrel Appreciation Day can be traced back to Christy Hargrove, a wildlife rehabilitator from North Carolina. She created this holiday in order to honor these amazing animals, raise awareness about their importance in the ecosystem, and encourage people to put out food and nuts for the rodents as they suffer without having food during this month due to the winter.
With over 200 species of squirrels around the world, there’s plenty to appreciate about these fascinating creatures. They’re known for their quick movements, acrobatic abilities, and adorable antics that bring smiles to many faces.
Squirrels play a crucial role in the environment, as they help distribute seeds and nuts, which are important for growing trees and other plants. They’re also prey for many predators, which makes them an essential part of the food chain.
On Squirrel Appreciation Day, people are encouraged to observe squirrels in their natural habitats, feed them some nuts or seeds, or simply take a moment to appreciate their playful behavior. Many organizations also use this day to raise awareness about squirrels’ threats, such as habitat loss, disease, and climate change.
Whether you’re a fan of the red, gray, or black squirrel, Squirrel Appreciation Day is a great opportunity to learn more about these amazing animals and show appreciation for all they do. So don’t forget to mark your calendar and celebrate these furry friends on January 21st!
How to celebrate it:
- Leave out food for squirrels – learn about the best food to feed squirrels.
- Learn more by watching documentaries, visiting natural history museums or observing the rodents in your yard.
Fun facts:
- Squirrels were added to parks by humans in 1847. It was thought this could allow people who couldn’t leave the city to enjoy nature.
- 74% of the nuts buried by squirrels are never recovered – this helps some tree species disperse and regenerate.
- Over 200 species of squirrels are categorized into three categories: tree squirrels, ground squirrels, and flying squirrels.
- The largest squirrel is the black giant squirrel which can weigh up to 3 pounds and reach 3 feet tall from head to tail.
- Squirrels are native to native to Africa, the Americas, Europe, and Asia and have been introduced to Australia.
- A group of squirrels is called a scurry.
- Groundhogs and chipmunks are squirrels.
- Squirrels contribute to the ecosystem by eating mushroom spores, which, once excreted, help the fungi matter to decompose and give plants the nutrition they need to grow.
- Baby squirrels are called kits.
Read also: Yes, Giant Technicolor Squirrels Actually Roam the Forests of Southern India.
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