Squirrel Appreciation Day: Go Nuts for Tree Acrobats!

In our bustling world, it's easy to overlook the small wonders of nature that surround us every day. One such wonder is the bushy-tailed, acrobatic squirrel. To give these creatures the recognition they deserve, Squirrel Appreciation Day takes place every year. So, let's take a moment to find out how to celebrate squirrels, and why we should.

What is Squirrel Appreciation Day?

Squirrel Appreciation Day takes place on January 21st every year. Wildlife rehabilitator Christy Hargrove created this day in 2001, in the hopes it would encourage people to learn more about them and want to help them.

Why Celebrate Squirrels?

1. We're Nuts About These Tree Acrobats!

Squirrels are certainly a joy to watch, with their nimble movements and bushy tails, effortlessly leaping from tree to tree in our neighborhoods and parks. Whether they're foraging for food or scampering along branches, squirrels are true masters of the treetops.

2. They're Effective Seed Dispersers

While squirrels can be entertaining with their playful behavior, they also play a vital role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem, playing an important role as profilic seed dispersers.

Tree squirrels don't hibernate during the winter, so in order to have enough food to get them through colder months, they bury caches of nuts and seeds. However, they often forget where they've buried their food, and this forgetfulness results in the growth of new plants and trees, contributing to the biodiversity of their environment.

In essence, squirrels are nature's gardeners, aiding in the regeneration of forests and green spaces.

3. There's So Many Types!

Squirrels come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. Did you know there are over 200 squirrel species worldwide, including over 100 types of tree squirrel?

Squirrel Appreciation Day is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the diverse world of squirrels and appreciate the beauty of their different adaptations.

How to Celebrate Squirrel Appreciation Day

Here are 6 ways to celebrate Squirrel Appreciation Day: 

1. Go for a Walk

Take a leisurely stroll through a nearby park and observe squirrels in their natural habitat. 

2. Avoid Feeding Them

Although you might be tempted to feed any squirrels you spot whilst walking, it's recommended by wildlife experts that you don't feed them. The best way you can help them is to let them remain as wild animals and avoid any close interaction with them.

If fed by humans, squirrels can begin to rely on us for food, which results in them stopping naturally foraging for food and also can cause aggressiveness towards people. National Park Service has more information regarding why you shouldn't feed wildlife.

3. Learn about Local Species

Research the types of squirrels that inhabit your area and share your findings - understanding their behavior can enhance your appreciation for these creatures.

4. Take Some Squirrel Snaps!

Capture the beauty of squirrels in action through photography. This can be a challenge when they're darting from tree to tree, but that just adds to the fun!

5. Make Squirrel Crafts

Get the whole family involved in making squirrel crafts - Pinterest is a great source of inspiration, including our Kids Nature Crafts board. 

6. Wear Squirrel Apparel

Squirrel Appreciation Day is the perfect day to pick up some apparel showing off hand-drawn squirrel designs! Each order of our nature apparel funds the planting of trees and makes a donation to ecological nonprofits. 

Squirrel Appreciation Day invites us to pause and appreciate these often-overlooked little creatures. So, on January 21st, let's take a moment to celebrate squirrels and express our gratitude for the lively charm they bring to our outdoor spaces, as well as the countless trees and plants they give life to along the way.