Squirrels ~ 4 Species Who Love Them!

Many BRFAL members are bird watchers, casual and expert, so we may not always include ourselves in the species who love squirrels! This information from our newest chapter member, Jill S, may change your perspective.

Photo by Jill S

With the leaves gone, it becomes easier to spy the activity of one of our most common rodents: the grey squirrel. Loved by a few, hated by many, these frisky little furballs do more than tear up our garden beds and raid our bird feeders. They are an important part of our ecosystem and while they might annoy many humans, other species depend on them:

1.    Birds: squirrels share a role in dispersing of seeds, which in turn contributes to forest regeneration and diversification-- functions that create healthy forests and food variety for the birds we enjoy at our feeders. And… not as fun to think about, but squirrels are also good eating for birds of prey such as owls and hawks.

2.    Fungi: squirrels eat mushrooms and help spread the spores throughout their environment, making sure many other species have access to fungi’s important nutrients, such as Vitamin D.

3.    Trees: acorns and seeds are an important part of a squirrel’s diet, and the defecation of them helps trees reproduce. In fact, acorns are designed so that the yummy fat meat is easily accessed by nut lovers, and the seed is in a bitter tannin at the bottom of the acorn. When the furball finishes the meat, he drops the bitter seed to the ground, where it can germinate.

4.    Dogs: Squirrels are the best live action toy ever! These fast moving mammals are beloved by prey driven canines who find endless entertainment and important sources of exercise, chasing them across backyards across the world.

Yes, squirrels can be mischievous and destructive, but they have their upside, too.

Just give them a chance or even a little chase!

References and Sources for More Information:

Interactive Centre for Scientific Research About Squirrels

“Why You Should Love Squirrels,” UFL News, 2018