We can choose to co-exist with the wildlife around us, enjoying their antics and quirky personalities, or we can run around in circles attempting to rid our properties of them. The latter is an exercise in futility in the case of squirrels; they preceded us, and they’ve learned how to best us at every turn.
The squirrel is an aerialist extraordinaire, its large tail makes it the most recognized mammal on Earth. While the first gray squirrels can be traced back 50 million years via fossil remains found in North America, their name can be traced back to the ancient Greeks; Aristotle called them “skiouros” with “skia” meaning shade, and “oura” meaning tail. Thus the meaning “he who sits in the shadow of his tail” was recorded.
As they do not hibernate and can have a lifespan of 6 years (given little auto traffic and a reliable food source), feeding our furry friends guarantees an endless source of entertainment. Tree seed is the most important element of their diet, including pine seeds, beech nuts, acorns and hazel nuts. They also thrive on flowers, berries, and shoots, which provide a year-round availability of food. Gray squirrels love maize and mixed squirrel food, but you’ll also find them sharing the bird feeders you’ve set out for your avian visitors. Because of the communal nature of bird feeders, to prevent disease transmission, wash your feeders every two weeks or so, first emptying them, then scrubbing them clean with a weak bleach and water solution. Thoroughly rinse, and allow to dry before refilling.
Squirrels are most active during their mating season, in late winter. The ritual of the chase occurs through the trees at top speed, incorporating breathtaking acrobatics. They communicate using a series of chirps and tail gestures that denote everything from laughter to alarm.
If you’ve ever attempted to purchase a “squirrel-proof” bird feeder, you’ll know that very few exist. These wily creatures will not quit until they have out-baffled every baffle ever invented. There are numerous feeders made specifically for squirrels, but this gardener has found that making it too easy for them takes away too much of their pleasure.
However, one very easy-to-make feeder that they will appreciate can be constructed as follows: take a piece of wood 2″ by 2″, about 2 1/2′ in length, skew long nails into it at staggered intervals, and then impale an ear of corn on each nail. Pop an eye bolt into the top, hang it from a tree branch, and let the frivolity begin! (They might even stay out of the bird feeders for a few minutes.)