talented squirrels

What are squirrels most talented at doing?

Tree squirrels run fast and jump long distances on tiny branches high up in trees. Ground squirrels dig long tunnels very fast. Many squirrels chatter and use their tails to communicate a complex language. All squirrels have very sharp teeth and flexible front paws -- and are very smart about opening containers and solving other food-related challenges. Squirrels have sensitive hearing. Squirrels have big eyes that see very well -- but they are on the sides of their heads, so they don't see what's at the tip of their nose. That's one reason it can be dangerous to feed a squirrel -- it can't see your fingers and might accidentally bit you if you get too close.

The endangerd red squirrels

yeah, a little bit of good news for the decreaseing red squirrel population in the U. K:  thanks to increasing immunity against a deadly squirrel pox virus. for a while this endangered species was rapidly declineing because of the squirrel pox virus now the population is coming back thanks to a growing immunity and less hunting

Defense mechanisms

Defense mechanisms

Squirrels have a variety of defense mechanisms and behaviors to ward off threats.

Visibility

The coloring of the squirrel serves as a camouflage, especially when on the trunk of a tree. The squirrel will also quickly move to the opposite side of the trunk, so the predator does not knew it has moved up to a different location.
Southern flying squirrels can be found in southeastern Canada, the eastern United States, and Mexico. The flying squirrels were most active on nights of poor visibility, as an anti-predator defense mechanism.

Feet

Squirrels have the ability to turn their feet one hundred and eighty degrees, which allows it to quickly scurry up the nearest tree to escape.

Tail

A squirrel will flick its tail from side to side to distract a predator. When caught by a predator, the tail will actually break off, allowing the squirrel a chance to escape. This defense mechanism is also seen in lizards.

Sounds

A California ground squirrel will utilize sounds from its major predator, the rattlesnake, as a defense mechanism. In other words, they are capable of discriminating rattling sounds from other other sounds.
In fact, the squirrel is able to assess the level of danger the rattlesnake represents from its sounds. Sometimes the squirrel will engage in sand-kicking to provoke the snake into rattling to get more information about the size and danger of the predator. This behavior is quite low in risk for the squirrel, while providing it with necessary information about the snake.

Taming a wild Squirrel

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  Create an area where you can leave food for them. A yard filled with trees makes the best place to find squirrels and feed them. Section off an area specifically for them to feed. You can leave food in bird feeders, create a platform area or purchase feeders designed specifically for squirrels. You want to let them know that your yard is a safe place for them to forage, eat and even build their nests.
• 2
  Buy food such as peanuts, squirrel food blend or sunflower seeds for them to eat. You might not see them when you first start leaving food at the feeder, but they'll see you. If you feed them every day, they will become used to food being left for them by you. The more they see you leaving food at the feeder, the more they will associate you with good things and will become less frightened of your approach. Within no time, you should start seeing an abundance of squirrels at your feeder and in your yard. Don't be surprised if they show up at the back door, letting you know it's time for more supplies.
• 3
  Talk to the squirrels and make squirrel noises when you are by the feeder. You'll probably feel like an idiot and the squirrels won't have a clue what you're saying, but you'll become less threatening. Doing this while holding a peanut in your hand, makes you seem even more appealing. There's always at least one who will lose its fear and be curious about you.
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  Notice which squirrels are brave and seem unafraid to get closer to you. This may take weeks and sometimes even months for the squirrel to build up courage. As long as you are non-threatening and patient, eventually the squirrel should be able to get within a few feet of you without scampering away. Having a peanut in your hand while this is happening, always helps encourage the squirrel to move closer.
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  Stoop down and offer a peanut to the squirrel. Once again, this may take several days or weeks to get the squirrel to finally accept the nut from your hand. The main thing you want to enforce is you are not dangerous and the squirrel will get a nice treat if they allow themselves to get close to you. Their buddies will be watching the brave one and even a few of them might try to take the nut out of your hand eventually.
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  Accepting the nut from hand, can now lead to more adventurous moves with the squirrel. You can start by simply sitting down and offering the peanut to the squirrel, but making them climb up on your lap to accept it. You can also put the nut on your shoulder and have them crawl up you arm to retrieve it.