Ohio Outdoors: Nutty for squirrels

Since February is the month when we celebrate Groundhog Day, I thought I’d write my column about squirrels. Now, I know what you’re thinking: Is she off her nut? Let me explain. Groundhogs are actually members of the squirrel family. They are considered ground squirrels along with Thirteen Lined Ground Squirrels and Chipmunks. But what I really want to talk about today are Portage County’s tree squirrels.

By far the most well-known squirrel is the Eastern Gray Squirrel. It is estimated that there are millions (that’s plural) of Eastern Grays in Ohio. Needless to say, their status is secure.  Although coyotes and foxes hunt squirrels, they cannot put a dent in the population. Of course, the majority of the Eastern Gray’s natural predators have been eliminated from Portage County. This, combined with an abundance of food has led to a massive squirrel boom. 

Portage County’s biggest predator of Eastern Grays are hawks. In fact, Blue Jays, competing for the same food as squirrels have learned to mimic hawk calls. They will repeat a hawk call to send squirrels running away from the food they want. 

Despite their name, not all Eastern Gray Squirrels are gray. They can be brown, black, or rarely, white. Gray is the most common color helping them to camouflage well with the trees. 

Fox squirrel

Another Portage County tree squirrel with a much lower population (only 0.5 to 1.0 per acre) is the Fox Squirrel. They are a yellowish gray with red/orange edges like the foxes they are named for. Larger than Eastern Grays, Fox Squirrels were not original inhabitants of The Buckeye State. Prior to pioneers clearing the land and thinning out dense woodlands, Fox Squirrels were found where prairies met the forest edge. Like the Eastern Grays, Fox Squirrels are diurnal meaning they are most active during the day.

Red squirrel

Another diurnal tree squirrel of Portage County (and my favorite) is the Red Squirrel. They are typically found in wooded areas especially where conifers (cone bearing trees) grow. They will ‘cut’ the cones to get to the seeds leaving a pile of cone scales and a denuded cone behind. Red Squirrels are smaller than Eastern Grays with a reddish coat. They are ultra-fast and very vocal. It’s a real treat to watch them zipping around in the woods as they scold you. I liken their high-pitched chattering to a squeak-toy.

Flying squirrel

The last Portage County tree squirrel is the Flying Squirrel. This one is the smallest of all and the most abundant (yes, you read that right). However, most people never see one because they are nocturnal and spend most of their time above our heads. Despite the name, these squirrels cannot fly. Bats are the only mammals that can truly fly. Instead, Tree Squirrels glide on a special flap of skin extending from their front leg to their back. Like all tree squirrels they are good jumpers and quite acrobatic. While an Eastern Gray has a horizontal leap of nine or ten feet, a flying squirrel averages 65 -100 feet per glide.  

Squirrels have a bad reputation. Actress Sarah Jessica Parker is quoted as saying  “A squirrel is just a rat with a cuter outfit.” Squirrels are members of the rodent family. And, like all rodents, they have a tendency to be destructive. This is especially true if they invade buildings. 

Many who feed the birds dislike squirrels. These arial acrobats hog the seeds, leaving very little for the intended recipients. There are many bird feeders on the market alleging to be ‘squirrel proof.’ Few actually live up to their claims. 

My advice on this is don’t waste your money. Accept and appreciate the wildlife that you attract and enjoy watching the squirrels and their squirrelly antics. Understand that squirrels only follow their instincts and the drive to survive. Their industriousness and energy are qualities to be admired.