Squirrels

What Are Squirrels?

Squirrels are small to medium-sized rodents that belong to the family Sciuridae, which includes over 200 different species. These highly adaptable creatures are found in various habitats worldwide, except for Australia and Antarctica. Squirrels are known for their agility, intelligence, and adaptability, making them fascinating and often endearing creatures in both urban and natural environments.

Are Squirrels Harmful?

Squirrels, while often seen as cute and entertaining wildlife, can actually pose a number of serious problems—both in urban and rural environments. Here are some of the ways in which squirrels may be considered harmful:

Structural and Property Damage

• Roofs and Attics: Squirrels are notorious for finding their way into homes through small openings in roofs, vents, and eaves. Once inside, they can chew through insulation, wood beams, and electrical wiring, creating fire hazards and compromising structural integrity.
• Electrical Hazards: Chewing on wires is one of the most dangerous behaviors of squirrels. Their teeth continuously grow, so they instinctively gnaw on hard materials—including electrical wiring. This can cause short circuits, power outages, or even house fires.
• Garden and Landscape Damage: Squirrels dig holes to bury or retrieve food, which can damage lawns and gardens. They frequently raid vegetable gardens, flower beds, and fruit trees, reducing yields and destroying ornamental plants.
• Car Damage: Squirrels sometimes nest in vehicles, especially in colder months. They can chew through engine wiring and hoses, resulting in costly repairs.
• Power Outages: Utilities report thousands of power outages each year due to squirrels accessing transformers, substations, or climbing power lines. Their interference causes short circuits and equipment damage.

Health Risks

• Disease Transmission: Although rare, squirrels can carry parasites and zoonotic diseases that can affect humans and pets. These include, but are not limited to: leptospirosis, salmonella (from feces or contaminated food sources), Lyme disease (indirectly, through ticks they carry), and fleas, mites, and lice, which may migrate into living spaces.
• Contamination: In homes or attics, squirrel droppings and urine can accumulate, leading to foul odors and unsanitary conditions. Over time, this buildup can contribute to respiratory problems or infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.

While squirrels can be an enjoyable part of the natural landscape, their potential for harm should not be underestimated.

Types Of Squirrels

There are numerous species of squirrels, with diverse characteristics and adaptations to various habitats. Here are some of the most well-known types of squirrels:

• American Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus): The American red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) is a small, tree-dwelling squirrel native to coniferous and mixed forests across Canada, Alaska, and the northern United States. Known for its reddish fur, white underbelly, and loud, chattering calls, this species is highly territorial and active during the day. Red squirrels primarily feed on seeds from conifer cones but also eat fungi, fruits, and insects. They are known for creating large food caches, often storing pine cones in a central location called a midden. Agile and energetic, American red squirrels are well adapted to colder climates and forested habitats.
• Chipmunk (Various species): Chipmunks are small, striped members of the squirrel family (Sciuridae), belonging primarily to the genus Tamias. Unlike tree-dwelling squirrels, chipmunks are ground squirrels that inhabit forests, woodlands, and suburban areas across North America. They are easily recognized by their distinctive facial and back stripes, small size, and cheek pouches used for storing food. Chipmunks are active during the day and spend much of their time gathering seeds, nuts, fruits, and insects. They create elaborate burrow systems for nesting and food storage, and while they hibernate, they periodically wake to eat from their stored supplies.
• Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis): The eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is a common tree squirrel native to the eastern and midwestern United States and parts of southeastern Canada. Recognized by its gray fur, bushy tail, and white underbelly, this species is highly adaptable and often found in both forests and urban areas. Eastern gray squirrels are diurnal, omnivorous, and known for caching food like nuts and seeds, which helps them survive winter months. Their agility, intelligence, and ability to thrive near humans have made them one of the most widespread and familiar squirrel species in North America.
• Flying Squirrel (Various species): Flying squirrels are a unique group of nocturnal, tree-dwelling squirrels known for their ability to glide between trees using a membrane of skin called a patagium, which stretches from wrist to ankle. In North America, the most common species are the northern and southern flying squirrels. These small, soft-furred squirrels have large eyes adapted for night vision and flattened tails that help steer during flight. They inhabit forests and woodlands, feeding on nuts, seeds, fruits, fungi, and occasionally insects. Unlike other squirrels, flying squirrels are more elusive due to their nighttime activity and gliding behavior.
• Fox Squirrel (Sciurus niger): Fox squirrels (Sciurus niger) are the largest species of tree squirrel native to North America, commonly found in open woodlands, forest edges, and urban parks. They have a robust build, with fur ranging from reddish-brown to gray and a full, bushy tail. Fox squirrels are diurnal and highly adaptable, often foraging on the ground for nuts, seeds, fruits, and insects. Known for their strong climbing skills and solitary nature, they build nests in trees and create food caches for winter. Their size, coloration, and ground-foraging habits help distinguish them from other squirrel species.
• Ground Squirrel (Various species): Ground squirrels are a diverse group of burrowing rodents within the squirrel family (Sciuridae), known for living primarily on or under the ground rather than in trees. Found across North America, these squirrels typically have short limbs, less bushy tails, and fur in shades of brown or gray, often with stripes or spots. They are social animals that inhabit grasslands, open fields, and rocky areas, digging extensive burrow systems for shelter and food storage. Ground squirrels are diurnal and feed on seeds, nuts, fruits, insects, and vegetation. Some species hibernate, while others remain active year-round depending on climate.

Squirrel Appearance

Squirrels are characterized by several distinctive physical features that make them easily recognizable:

• Size: Squirrels vary in size depending on their species, but they are typically small to medium-sized rodents. They can range from about 5 inches (13 centimeters) to 18 inches (45 centimeters) in length, including their tail.
• Body Shape: Squirrels have slender bodies with a head that tapers into a pointed snout. Their bodies are designed for agility and climbing.
• Fur: Squirrels are covered in fur that can come in a wide range of colors, including gray, brown, reddish-brown, black, or even white. The specific coloration varies among different squirrel species.
• Tail: Squirrels are famous for their long, bushy tails. These tails serve various purposes, including balance, communication, and as a shade from the sun or protection from rain.
• Ears: Most squirrels have prominent ears that may or may not have tufts of fur on them, depending on the species. These tufts can be especially noticeable in certain types like the Red Squirrel.
• Eyes: Squirrels typically have large, round eyes with good eyesight. Their keen vision helps them spot predators and locate food.
• Limbs: Squirrels have four strong legs, each equipped with sharp claws that allow them to grip tree branches and manipulate objects. Their hind legs are notably powerful, enabling them to leap great distances.
• Cheek Pouches: Many squirrels have cheek pouches that can expand to store food temporarily. This allows them to carry large amounts of food back to their nests or burrows.
• Teeth: Squirrels have sharp incisors that continuously grow throughout their lives. They use these teeth for gnawing on nuts, seeds, and other hard objects.
• Whiskers: Squirrels have sensitive whiskers on their faces that help them navigate through tight spaces and detect changes in their surroundings.

Squirrels have a charming and endearing appearance, with their fluffy tails and agile movements. Their physical characteristics vary depending on the species and the specific environment in which they live.

Learn more: What Do Squirrel Droppings Look Like?

Squirrel Habitats

Squirrels are highly adaptable rodents and can be found in a variety of habitats across the world. Here are some common places and types of environments where you might encounter squirrels:

• Forests: Squirrels are often found in both deciduous and coniferous forests. Tree-dwelling species like the Eastern Gray Squirrel and Red Squirrel are particularly prevalent in these areas.
• Urban and Suburban Areas: Many squirrel species have adapted to human-made environments. In cities and suburbs, you'll often find Eastern Gray Squirrels, Fox Squirrels, and occasionally even Flying Squirrels. They may inhabit parks, gardens, and wooded areas within urban settings.
• Parks and Recreational Areas: Public parks, nature reserves, and recreational areas often provide suitable habitats for squirrels due to the presence of trees, shrubs, and open spaces. These areas attract species like the Eastern Gray Squirrel.
• Wooded Campgrounds: Campgrounds situated in forested regions are likely places to encounter squirrels. Campers often observe squirrels scavenging for food scraps.
• Woodland Trails: When hiking or walking in wooded areas and along nature trails, you may come across various squirrel species. Keep an eye out for them in the trees and on the ground.
• Golf Courses: Golf courses with a mix of trees, grassy areas, and water features can provide a suitable habitat for squirrels.
• College Campuses: Many college campuses have green spaces and wooded areas where squirrels thrive. They are often seen by students and faculty.
• Residential Neighborhoods: Squirrels are common in suburban neighborhoods with trees. They often visit backyards and gardens in search of food.
• Farmlands: In rural areas, squirrels may inhabit farmlands, orchards, and barns. They can sometimes be considered pests by farmers.
• Botanical Gardens: Squirrels may be found in botanical gardens that feature a variety of plant species and trees.
• Natural Reserves and Wildlife Sanctuaries: Protected natural areas and wildlife sanctuaries provide undisturbed habitats for various wildlife, including squirrels.

Remember that the specific types of squirrels you encounter can vary depending on your geographic location.