Thursday is Squirrel Appreciation Day, and though the squirrels may not be aware of it, you can still do your part in letting them know they're loved. We think learning about our animals friends, both exotic and common, are an important part of appreciating the natural world around us.
Just how did squirrels manage to get their own day? They have Christy Hargrove, a wildlife rehabilitator from North Carolina, to thank. Hargrove started Squirrel Appreciation Day on January 21, 2001. Here are some ideas you could use to express your squirrel love:
1. Feed them. All you need is a pine cone and some peanut butter. Spread the peanut butter on the pine cone, hang it from a tree, and your work is done. You could also carry some nuts or seeds in your pocket, just in case you come face to face with one.
2. Educate yourself. Look at that squirrel as more than a just a pest. According to the National Wildlife Federation, when a squirrel hides its food, it pretends to bury it a few times before choosing a final hiding spot. And did you know there are more than 300 different species of squirrel? Find out more here and here.
3. Let them be. If you're a squirrel hater, fight the urge to chase one, throw things at it, etc. Give them their one day of peace.
4. Spread the word. If more people know, more squirrels will feel appreciated.
5. Watch squirrel videos. YouTube is full of videos that will put you in a squirrely mood. Here's a fascinating one of ground squirrels using their bushy tails to fend off a cobra in Africa: