Made you smile, didn't it? This is not a professional actor and this pic was not posed! She was doing this all on her own and I happened to have my camera in hand.She's a red squirrel, which is easy to tell by the reddish fur on her belly and the underside of her little legs and arms. I've heard reds also called Fox Squirrels. I guess they vary in color from red to black to gray depending on the part of the country they're from.
Here is one of the two black Fox babies I fed.
With their square heads and noses they look like newborn black lab puppies to me.Guess the more common squirrel in this area are called Grays. That would explain why 99% of the close to 1000 orphans at the Wildlife Rehab are Grays. These Foxes are a rare treat.
The Fox babies are fuzzier on their heads, and when you hold them you can tell their fur is thicker and softer. Grays have white undersides and when mature their hairs are tipped in a grayish color.
In the wild adults feed twice a day --mornings and early evenings -- are quiet in midday. I think they turn in early, as when I walk the park where they are abundant I never see any if it's nearing sunset. Anyone who's watched a squirrel for long knows how these high energy critters are a source of endless amusement.
They build nests high in the tree branches or den inside hollow trees. Once I learned that I began craning my neck as far back as I could, squinting at the oak branches and sure enough, here and there I could see decent sized hammocks made of leaves, bark and grass.
They mate in spring and fall and the babies take 40-45 days to gestate. Usually 2 or 4 babies are born --naked, blind and helpless. They stay in the nest, nursing for about 6 weeks, during which time their eyes open and their teeth develop enough to try solid food. They stay with the family for about a month learning to forage and are almost full adults by 6 months. By 12 months they're having babies of their own.
I think we need to have a caption contest for that first picture. Care to try your hand in the comments?
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10 comments:
oh, they are so sweet. I can see how easy it must be to keep going back. I would have a tough time leaving each day. Are they as loveable as they appear?
"The light, the light it's so bright!"
My partner, who grew up on the east coast, said the red squirrels are more aggressive than the others. I wonder if that is true?
"Get me off tape, I don't have my make-up on!"
"omg she's at it again!"
(he said)
lol! xox
"Feed me, feed me... I have such a headache, I'm so hungry!"
I posted this yesterday, but for some reason it wouldn't go through.
The squirells are precious. Keep up the loving work Sydney.
My Dad told me years ago red squirrels are very destructive and will gnaw and dig to get into your attic to live. True or not???
Peek a Boo...I see you...NOW where is my bottle, lady?
HI Delee-
a few commenters have asked about how destructive reds are. I will have to check that out. I know squirrels are incorrigible and crafty, and I have heard many a story of how they get into bird feeders and eat all the food, and occasionally make a nest in the attic of someone's home. My solution is to put plenty of corn and stuff on the ground so they will stay away from the feeders (though they are insatiable, as my little film shows)... They are also very high strung and mischevious, regardless as a whole species I think.
Two people asked me why I was bothering saving squirrels who can repopulate and are like rats. I was amazed but not everyone thinks they're worth it. I could not imagine not doing all I could for them.
Hi Sidney. Thanks for saying hello. We have gray and black squirrels in our Wisconsin woods. The black squirrels are genetic mutations of the gray ones. I had never seen these until we moved to the Shady Grove. I like your blog.
Chris
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