The squirrel is more popular and legendary than almost any other animal. Children love to make paper squirrels. But squirrels are not as harmless as their stuffed animal representatives. They have adapted to life in the trees and must prove themselves against enemies and habitat changes.

The red squirrel can be found here in particular

Table of Contents

Show all
  1. the essentials in brief
  2. lining
  3. kit
  4. squirrel found
  5. Characteristics
  6. reproduction
  7. species and distribution
  8. Where do squirrels sleep?
  9. squirrel in the garden
  10. squirrel and art
  11. idioms
  12. mythology and culture
  13. frequently asked Questions

    14. the essentials in brief

    • Squirrels primarily eat seeds, nuts and fruits, but occasionally eat insects or small animals
    • A squirrel feeder with a Plexiglas flap is easy to build yourself
    • Squirrels build nests called burrows
    • Squirrels do not hibernate and should therefore also be fed in winter

    What do squirrels eat?

    The rodents feed mainly on fruits and seeds, which are rich in fats and thereby provide energy. In addition to nuts and chestnuts, squirrels collect the fruits of oak, beech, spruce, pine and maple. Flower buds, plant galls or mushrooms also enrich their diet.

    The rodents are less likely to target animal food such as small animals or insects. Squirrels are nest robbers and enter bird nests to steal eggs or young birds. In summer, the animals eat about 80 grams of food per day. During the winter months, the daily feed ration is around 35 grams. This varied range of food means that squirrels can reach a weight of 200 to 400 grams.

    Squirrels love nuts and seeds

    digression

    Squirrels propagate tree and shrub species

    Unlike other hibernating animals, squirrels eat only a small amount of winter fat in the fall. Instead, they bury their collected fruits in underground depots. Hundreds of nut fruits are stored in the hiding places. If there are food shortages, the depot is used up. But not all hiding places are always found. The buried fruits of trees and bushes begin to sprout.

    Build a feeding house

    Draw the outline of each component on a wooden board. The floor and rear wall parts each measure 27 x 14 centimetres, while the roof has dimensions of 22 x 14 centimetres. Because the roof is shorter than the floor, there is a small seating area for the squirrel. The side parts are recorded with a length of 20 centimeters. The panels are each 27 centimeters high on one side, and the second side is cut to 20 centimetres.

    After cutting out, you have two side parts with a slope so that the rainwater later drains off the roof. When you have sawed the individual components to size, sharp corners and edges are treated with sandpaper. Saw a notch on both side walls, one centimeter from the shorter edge. It should not go all the way to the ground so that there is a gap for feeding. You can later insert a piece of Plexiglas cut to size into this groove so that you can easily check the fill level of the feeding station.

    How to assemble the DIY house:

    1. Fasten the hinge in the middle of the rear wall
    2. Screw the base plate to the rear wall
    3. Attach side panels so the long edge is against the back panel
    4. Attach roof to hinge
    5. Slide the plexiglass into the indentations
    6. Open the roof and fill the feeding box

    where to hang

    The DIY feeding station does not have to be hung in the treetop. Too high a place makes regular filling difficult. However, it is better to mount the box as high as possible. As a result, the squirrels are better protected from predators. Hang the house in a low crotch so you can easily reach it with a ladder. An easily accessible corner on the balcony also offers the rodents a welcome feeding place.

    In the squirrel feeder, the feed protects against moisture

    What to do if a squirrel was found

    Abandoned hatchlings are often hypothermic and require warming. If a squirrel is in need, the nationwide NABU or the Bavarian partner LBV is a first port of call. Various sanctuaries such as the Eckernförde sanctuary offer an emergency call for injured, sick and weak squirrels.

    Here's what to do if you find squirrels in need:

    1. Observe animal for some time
    2. approach carefully
    3. Pick up injured animals with a towel or gloves
    4. Give water with a syringe

    tips

    Do not act rashly in the case of apparently abandoned young animals and observe the situation extensively! Many foundlings are brought back by their mothers.

    Interesting facts about the animal

    The squirrel belongs to the squirrel family, whose most distinctive feature is its erect, bushy tail. The rodents prefer a habitat with old trees. They live in the forest, which is characterized by conifers and deciduous trees. However, coniferous and mixed forests are among the preferred habitats, since the fruits of pine, spruce and Co. get stuck in the treetops and do not fall to the ground as with deciduous trees. High up in the trees, squirrels rarely have to compete against food competitors.

    Since the animals have evolved to follow cultures, they are often found around humans. They live in cities, parks and gardens as long as they can find enough food and a safe haven. The latter is particularly important because squirrels have many natural enemies. They are on the menu of birds of prey and owls or cats and martens.

    Facts in brief:

    • mating season: January to February and May to August
    • offspring: about five young per litter
    • anatomy: 20 to 25 cm long with tail of equal length, five fingers and toes with long claws
    • denture: 22 teeth, of which growing incisors, premolars and molars
    • Sounds: Clicking to cackling, shrill or whistling sounds
    • nutrition: omnivore
    • feces: rounded single poo

    fur coloring

    The color of the fur is not only determined by genetics. It also depends on environmental influences such as the climate. Red tones with brownish nuances are typical, but black squirrels are increasingly found at higher altitudes. Between these shades there are chocolate brown to gray transitional forms. The rodents are clearly recognizable by their white-colored abdomen.

    The coat color of rodents also changes depending on the area of distribution. While squirrels in eastern Siberia tend to be more brown-black, western European individuals develop dark to light red fur. There are also differences in color between summer and winter fur. Shedding takes place in autumn and spring, allowing the animals to adapt to the temperatures. While the summer coat is thinner and redder in development, the winter coat appears denser and darker with shades of gray.

    In addition to these natural color variations, there are also mutations. Due to a spontaneous change in the genome, the coat color of the offspring of the native squirrel can be different, so that black and white coloring can also occur.

    These are advantages of dark squirrels:

    • protection: better camouflage from enemies
    • warmth: Black absorbs solar radiation
    • isolation: longer and denser fur

    particularities

    Rodents are mostly nocturnal. Squirrels are an exception in this group of animals because they forage during the day and sleep at night. To warm themselves during the night's rest, the animals use their bushy tails. This can completely cover a curled up squirrel. But primarily the tail serves as an aid to steering and balancing while moving through the treetops. The rodents also use it to communicate with other species.

    Another change that takes place during the transition periods is worth noting. When it gets colder, squirrels develop small tufts of hair on the tips of their ears and on their feet. When they change their fur in spring, the ear brushes and foot hair are shed again.

    reproduction

    The mating season for squirrels begins at the end of January. If winter persists, courtship will shift to February. It is not uncommon for fights to be observed when the female is not yet ready to mate. Once the females are ready to mate, they release scents to attract the males. Wild chases ensue when a male makes advance attempts.

    Running away can last for several days before mating occurs. The first cubs of the year are born between March and April. Two mating seasons per year are typical. When food is scarce at the beginning of the year, the animals refrain from mating. In late summer there are more chases, with the times being pushed further and further back in the course of global warming.

    Good to know:

    • Screams and bites are normal when multiple males encounter a female
    • Males do not participate in rearing young
    • Females defend their offspring against the producer
    • Males have bite inhibition and withdraw without a fight

    Due to global warming, squirrels continue to give birth into September. Winter comes much too quickly for the young animals.

    species and distribution areas

    The squirrel genus currently includes 29 species, of which the Eurasian squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) is widespread in Central Europe. It is the only native species and is therefore also known as the European squirrel.

    Japanese squirrel fox squirrel American gray squirrel Caucasian squirrel
    Scientific name Sciurus lis Sciurus niger Sciurus carolinensis Sciurus anomalus
    distribution area Japan USA, Mexico USA, Canada Caucasus, Asia Minor, Palestine
    coloring reddish brown to greyish light brown-yellowish to dark brown-black Gray gray with reddish band

    Where do squirrels sleep?

    For the night's rest, the rodents withdraw into tree cavities or into their self-built nest (=kobel). Squirrels use brushwood to build these spherical retreats. The interior is lined with moss, grasses, feathers and foliage to protect the nest from rain and cold.

    Since squirrels are very clean animals, they create several of these kobels at the same time. In the so-called Schattenkobeln they hold a lunch break at regular times. During the night's rest, one of the numerous sleeping huts is visited. Shortly before giving birth, they move to the main pen to give birth to their offspring in a clean environment. This nest is sometimes referred to as a throwing coop.

    This is what the pod looks like:

    • Nest diameter from 30 to 50 centimeters
    • 15 to 20 centimeters inside diameter
    • two loopholes, one of which faces down

    Yes, squirrels build nests!

    Hibernation vs Hibernation

    Squirrels are active all year round when the temperatures are mild. When the winter months are severe and food becomes increasingly scarce, rodents reduce their activity. They go into hibernation, but wake up briefly every day or two to forage.

    squirrel in the garden

    If you have a garden, you can do something yourself to protect the popular rodents. A small paradise for squirrels can also be created on the balcony with few resources. All you need is some lumber, nails and tools, and some DIY skills.

    tips

    Normally, feeding only makes sense in the harsh winter months. In some years, however, trees produce less fruit, so year-round feeding is recommended.

    provide water

    Especially in sealed urban areas, squirrels have a hard time finding water sources. Puddles rarely form on the straightened asphalt surfaces. Therefore, offer the rodents water during hot seasons. A flat bowl raised on a tree stump is sufficient. Keep it clean and change the water regularly. Especially at high temperatures, bacteria multiply extremely quickly in a humid environment, so that the drinking area quickly becomes a risk of infection.

    Providing water is doing squirrels a huge favor

    Natural planting

    Squirrels naturally come into the garden if it offers attractive food sources. Hazelnut bushes magically attract rodents. If your garden has enough space, you can plant some spruce or a walnut tree. In late summer, the squirrels will harvest the trees. In smaller gardens, berry bushes or low apple trees are ideal. They provide the rodents with a refreshing change.

    A balcony for squirrels:

    • Flower boxes (€16.99) with local wild herbs
    • Climbing plants like ivy on the railing
    • Pots and plant benches with fruit and nut bushes on the balcony area

    attract squirrels

    On the balcony, the animals can easily be lured with nuts. There are special squirrel feeders that can be filled with different treats. The more varied the food spectrum, the better the rodents accept the offer. Offer chestnuts, peanuts, hazelnuts and walnuts. Make the dinner plate more attractive with beechnuts, pieces of fresh apple and pear and dried bananas. Tit dumplings (€9.99) or feed for wild birds are also popular.

    youtube

    squirrel in art

    Squirrels have always captured people's imaginations with their bright coloring and bushy tails. While the red fur coloring reminded some of the blazing flames of hellfire, others were inspired by the way of life. Squirrels remain a popular subject in art to this day.

    15th century

    The Flemish painter Hugo van der Goes created an altarpiece in 1470 on which a small squirrel is balancing on the roof beams above the Holy Family. The hard-working rodent not only represents the devil, but also represents Christian virtues. In the painting it symbolizes the search for divine truth.

    16th Century

    During this period, Hans Holbein the Younger created a portrait of Lady Anne Lovell holding a squirrel. The rodents were considered popular pets at the time, which is why it is also found in the family crest. It should represent the virtues of diligence and proficiency. But the beast was also associated with the devil, as can be seen in Flemish artist Michiel Coxcie's painting of the Fall of Man. He painted the devil in the form of a squirrel at Eva's feet.

    19th century

    English artists liked to use the squirrel motif in their landscape paintings. In England, before the introduction of the American gray squirrel, there were large populations of red squirrels. Since then, the gray squirrels, which specialize in deciduous forests, have been crowding out the native species.

    20th century

    The artist Meret Oppenheim, who can be assigned to Surrealism, designed an object in 1969 called Squirrel. She replaced the handle of a large beer mug with a bushy tail. This work placed natural elements in a new context. It was a combination of industry and nature that was both repulsive and awe-inspiring.

    today

    Squirrels are still popular in art today. Because of their gentle appearance, they serve as coloring pages that are colored in kindergarten and elementary school. The charming animals can not only be found in coloring pictures. They take on human features in comics, cartoons and black-and-white clipart, are realized in costumes or immortalized as tattoos on the body. Squirrels are popular decorative elements and are the subject of poems.

    In animated films, the different characteristics of the animals are exaggerated. Scrat is the squirrel from the movie "Ice Age", which faces every danger on the hunt for the coveted acorn. It is considered the ultimate survivor and causes some natural disasters. Hyperactive squirrels are not uncommon in animated films.In the film "Over the Hedge" it is the squirrel Hammy who keeps the other characters on their toes with his excitable nature.

    More Squirrel Movies:

    • The Little Red Riding Hood Conspiracy
    • Full on the nut
    • hunting fever

    idioms

    Squirrels are popular with young and old because of their appearance. Over time, a few sayings have emerged that refer to the clever climber.

    "The Devil is a squirrel"

    If you've ever observed a squirrel in nature, you could certainly see the skill. The rodents are extremely quick and agile. They can even climb upside down on tree trunks or rough house walls. As early as the Middle Ages, the animals were associated with the devil because of this apparently supernatural way of life and their bright red coloration.

    According to countless legends, the devil likes to show himself as a cute little squirrel. In this way he can deceive poor sinners unnoticed. These traditions were probably the reason for this idiom, which is to be understood as a warning. Apparently harmless situations can have unpleasant turns in store.

    "The squirrel has a hard time feeding itself"

    Squirrels need a lot of patience when they want to get to the seeds of a spruce cone. They sit on a branch and pull the coveted cone towards them with their front paws. This is separated from the branch with the incisors. The rodent then carries the captured food in its mouth to a safe branch, where it nibbles off the scales one by one with its incisors.

    The idiom has developed into a dictum that is used to comfort people over tedious work. At the same time it is funny and encourages, because a goal can also be achieved in many small steps.

    Squirrels in Mythology and Culture

    The fur of Russian squirrels is used to make clothes because of its interesting coloring. The skins of the Siberian squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris exalbidus) are particularly popular. It is a Siberian subspecies of the European squirrel, whose winter coat is blue-grey on the back with a white belly. In the trade, the fur is also called Feh.

    spiritual meaning

    In the past, the squirrel always had a special symbolic power. The peculiarities and ways of life of the rodent tempted mankind around the world to spiritual associations.

    figure importance
    Norse mythology Squirrel Ratatoskr Messenger at the world tree Yggdrasil
    Germanic mythology Squirrel Ratatosk sows discord
    Greek antiquity shadow tail huge tail as a shade donor
    shamanism power animal Flexibility, balance, vision
    dream interpretation rodent Insidious Warning

    frequently asked Questions

    How old do squirrels get?

    The age of rodents depends on living conditions. While the life expectancy of animals in the wild is around three years, in captivity squirrels have a lifespan of seven to ten years.

    Can you keep a squirrel as a pet?

    Squirrels are not cage animals and cannot be kept indoors. They absolutely need a species-appropriate attitude outdoors. Anyone interested in breeding should only buy a squirrel from an approved breeder.

    Can squirrels be tamed?

    It's not difficult to tame a squirrel. With regular contact with humans, the animals develop a great deal of trust, even in nature. Nevertheless, the rodents are not suitable for stroking and cuddling, because they can be very bold and injure the skin with claws and teeth.

    What is the name of the squirrel in Bavarian?

    The Bavarian term for squirrel is Oachkatzl. This designation goes back to a trivial name of the rodent: the squirrel. A popular term is Oachkatzlschwoaf, which refers to the animal's bushy tail. People who move to Bavaria often have to take a joking language test in which they have to correctly reproduce this word in the local dialect.

    Are there flying squirrels?

    There are no squirrels that fly. However, in the mixed and birch forests between Finland and Siberia there is a rodent species that can fly up to 80 meters with the help of thin skin membranes. These flying squirrels need an elevated spot to jump off. They glide through the air and control flight through movements of their tail and legs.

    Can squirrels carry diseases?

    You don't have to worry about infection if you come into contact with an injured or weakened squirrel. The animals do not carry any diseases that can be transmitted to humans. Squirrels often suffer from various ectoparasites such as mites, ticks and fleas. Normally, these parasites do not pass to humans.

Category:

Animals in the garden