It’s National Squirrel Appreciation Day! Cheers to all Michigan squirrels

On By Littum

When was the last time you thanked a squirrel?

On National Squirrel Appreciation Day, the nine different species of squirrels in Michigan receive praise from their cozy winter nests.

The national holiday, January 21, was founded in 2001 by wildlife rehabilitator Christy Hargrove of Western North Carolina Nature Center.

The holiday can be celebrated for various reasons, perhaps for small game huntingthe the vitality of the state’s forestsor be the protagonist of funny online videos.

Squirrels are everywhere in Michigan and tend to populate areas where food — and possibly fame — is readily available, such as college campuses.

At Michigan State University, squirrels have an Instagram account, Quality squirrel by MSUwith close-ups of those using the campus as a playground.

To enhance the squirrel celebration, here are some facts about squirrels near you:

How many types of squirrels are there in Michigan?

Varying in size, color and habitat, there are nine species in Michigan, based on the state’s website. They include:

  • Eastern Fox Squirrela medium-sized common tree squirrel with orange fur.
  • Eastern gray squirrela medium-sized tree squirrel with dark to light gray fur.
  • Red squirrelsmall squirrels that are able to survive in a variety of habitats, from suburbs to cities or in mountains or forests. They have deep red fur.
  • Northern flying squirrelfound in northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, small in size with gray and brown fur and a white belly.
  • Southern flying squirrelfound in southern Michigan, with gray-brown fur and has pink hairless ears on the inside.
  • Thirteen-lined chipmunkinhabits open areas with short grass, small narrow size with long brown and tan stripes from head to tail.
  • At least chipmunksthe smallest of the chipmunks, found in forests and open areas, with two light and three dark stripes on the face and stripes from neck to tail.
  • Eastern chipmunkfound in wooded areas, forests and river valleys, they have grayish or reddish-brown fur with an identifiable yellow or red spot on the back.
  • Groundhoginhabiting forests, fields or pastures, they are dense and have gray to brown fur.

Where do squirrels go in the winter?

Squirrels have adapted to withstand the cool weather by gathering twigs, grass, bark or leaves to build a nest. Some squirrels will make homes high up in treetops or underground.

Squirrels will spend most of the winter sleeping in their nests to conserve energy.

How do squirrels survive the winter?

To survive the cold, they have an instinct similar to winter birds: they try to maintain a calorie surplus.

Not only do they do that dig holes to fill up foodbut when winter is near they will bulge. To keep warm, they may shake or cuddle with other squirrels to create body heat.

What do squirrels eat?

Squirrels are herbivores, meaning their diet consists of plants. They want seeds, roots, leaves, nuts or any available plant, whether in a forest or community garden.

What are some fun facts about squirrels?

From National Wildlife Federation Bloghere are some interesting facts about squirrels.

  • A squirrel’s front teeth never stop growing.
  • Squirrels don’t always find all the nuts and seeds they bury underground, which can result in the growth of new trees.
  • Squirrels run in a zig-zag pattern to escape predators.

Contact Sarah Moore @ [email protected]