Food, lifestyle and information about the cute animals

the essentials in brief

• squirrel mainly eat seeds, nuts and fruits, but also occasionally eat insects or small animals
• A squirrel bird feeder with a plexiglass flap is easy to build yourself
• Squirrels build nests called goblins
• Squirrels do not hibernate and should therefore also be fed in winter

What do squirrels eat?

The rodents feed mainly on fruits and seeds, which are rich in fats and thus provide energy. In addition to nuts and chestnuts, squirrels collect the fruits of oak, beech, spruce, pine and maple. Flower buds, plant galls or mushrooms also enrich your diet.

Rodents are less likely to target animal food such as small animals or insects. Squirrels are among the nest robbers and invade bird nests to steal eggs or young birds. In summer the animals eat around 80 grams of food per day. During the winter months, the daily feed ration is around 35 grams. This varied food spectrum ensures that squirrels can weigh between 200 and 400 grams.

Squirrels love nuts and seeds

Digression

Squirrels spread tree and shrub species

Build a bird feeder

Draw the outline of the individual components on a wooden board. The floor and rear wall parts each measure 27 x 14 centimeters, while the roof measures 22 x 14 centimeters. Since the roof is shorter than the floor, a small seat is created for the squirrel. The side parts are recorded with a length of 20 centimeters. On each side, the panels get a height of 27 centimeters, the second side is cut to 20 centimeters.

After cutting out you will have two side panels with a slope so that the rainwater will later drain off the roof. When you have sawn the individual components, sharp corners and edges are processed with sandpaper. Saws Make a notch on both side walls, one centimeter away from the shorter edge. It should not go all the way to the ground so that there is a gap to remove feed. You can later insert a cut-to-size Plexiglas into this groove so that you can easily check the filling level of the feeding station.

How to assemble the DIY house:

1. Fasten the hinge to the center of the rear wall
2. Screw the base plate to the rear wall
3. Attach the side panels so that the long edge is against the rear panel
4. Attach the roof to the hinge
5. Push the plexiglass into the notches
6. Unfold the roof and fill the feed box

Where to hang

The DIY feeding station does not have to be in the Treetop to be hanged. Too high a space makes regular filling difficult. Still, it is better to mount the box as high as possible. As a result, the squirrels are better protected from predators. Hang the house on a low fork of a tree so that a ladder can easily be reached. An easily accessible corner on the balcony also offers the rodents a welcome feeding place.

In the squirrel feeder, the feed protects against moisture

What to do if a squirrel is found

Abandoned young animals are often hypothermic and need to be warmed. If a squirrel is in need, the nationwide NABU or the Bavarian partner LBV are the first options. Various rescue stations such as the Eckernförde Schutzstation offer an emergency call for injured, sick and weak squirrels.

Here's what to do when you find squirrels in need:

1. Observe the animal for some time
2. approach carefully
3. Pick up injured animals with a towel or gloves
4. Give water with a syringe

Interesting facts about the animal

The squirrel belongs to the squirrel family, the most striking feature of which is its upright, bushy tail. The rodents prefer a habitat with old trees. They live in the forest, which is characterized by conifers and deciduous trees. Coniferous and mixed forests, however, are among the preferred habitats, as the fruits of pine, spruce and co. Get stuck in the treetops and do not fall to the ground like the deciduous trees. High up in the trees, squirrels hardly have to hold their own against food competitors.

Since the animals have developed into culture followers, they are often to be found in the vicinity of people. They live in cities, parks and gardens as long as they can find enough food and a safe haven. The latter is especially important because squirrels have many natural enemies. They are on the menu of birds of prey and owls or cats and martens.

Brief facts:

• Mating season: January to February and May to August
• offspring: about five young per litter
• anatomy: 20 to 25 cm long with a tail of the same length, five fingers and toes with long claws
• denture: 22 teeth, including regrowing incisors, premolar and molar teeth
• Sounds: clicking to chattering, shrill or whistling sounds
• nourishment: Omnivorous
• Feces: round single droppings

Fur coloring

The color of the skins is not only genetically determined. It also depends on environmental factors such as the climate. Red shades with brownish nuances are typical, but they come more and more at higher altitudes black squirrel before. Between these shades there are chocolate brown to gray transitional shapes. The rodents are clearly recognizable by their white belly.

The coat color of the rodents also changes depending on the area of ​​distribution. While squirrels in Eastern Siberia are more brown-black, Western European individuals develop dark to light red fur. There are also color differences between summer and winter fur. In autumn and spring the coat changes, which means that the animals adapt to the temperatures. While the summer fur is thinner and more reddish, the winter fur appears denser and darker with shades of gray.

In addition to these natural color variations, there are also mutations. Due to a spontaneous change in the genetic make-up, the coat color of the offspring of the local squirrel can develop differently, so that black and white colorations can also occur.

These are the advantages of the dark squirrels:

• protection: better camouflage from enemies
• warmth: Black absorbs solar radiation
• isolation: longer and thicker fur

particularities

Rodents are predominantly nocturnal. Squirrels are an exception in this group of animals because they forage for food during the day and sleep at night. The animals use their bushy tails to warm themselves during the night. This can completely cover a curled up squirrel. But primarily the tail serves as an aid to steering and balancing while moving through the treetops. The rodents also use it to communicate with other members of their own species.

Another change that takes place in the transition periods is noteworthy. When it gets colder, squirrels develop small tufts of hair on the tips of their ears and feet. When the coat changes in spring, the ear brushes and foot hair are thrown off again.

Reproduction

The mating season for squirrels begins at the end of January. If winter persists, courtship shifts to February. It is not uncommon for fights to be observed when the female is not yet ready to mate. Once the females are ready to mate, they release fragrances to attract the males. Wild chases break out when a male makes advances.

The running away can take several days until mating occurs. The first young of the year are born between March and April. Two mating seasons per year are typical. When food is scarce at the beginning of the year, the animals refrain from mating. In late summer there are chases again, with the times shifting further and further back in the course of global warming.

Good to know:

• Screams and bites are normal when multiple males encounter a female
• Males do not take part in rearing young
• Females defend their offspring against the producer
• Males have bite inhibition and withdraw without a fight

Species and distribution areas

The squirrel genus currently comprises 29 species, of which the Eurasian squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) is widespread in Central Europe. It is the only native species and is therefore also known as the European squirrel.

Where do squirrels sleep?

For the night's rest, the rodents retire in tree hollows or in their self-made nest (= Kobel). Squirrels use sticks to build these spherical retreats. The interior is lined with moss, grass, feathers and leaves to protect the nest from rain and cold.

Since squirrels are very clean animals, they put on several of these goblins at the same time. They take a lunch break at regular times in the so-called shadow pots. During the night, one of the numerous sleeping quarters is sought out. Shortly before birth, they switch to the main kobel in order to give birth to their offspring in a clean environment. Occasionally this nest is referred to as a throwing peg.

This is what the Kobel looks like:

• Nest diameter of 30 to 50 centimeters
• 15 to 20 centimeters inside diameter
• two loopholes, one of which faces down

Yes, squirrels build nests!

Hibernation vs. Hibernation

Squirrels are active all year round in mild temperatures. When the winter months are very severe and food becomes increasingly scarce, the rodents decrease their activity. They go into hibernation, but wake up briefly every one or two days to eat.

Squirrel in the garden

If you have a garden, there is something you can do to protect these popular rodents. A little paradise for squirrels can also be created on the balcony with few resources. All you need is some lumber, nails and tools, and a little bit of manual skills.

Provide water

Squirrels have a hard time finding water sources, especially in sealed urban areas. Puddles rarely form on the straightened asphalt surfaces. Therefore offer the rodents water during hot seasons. A flat bowl raised on a tree stump is sufficient. Make sure it is clean and change the water regularly. Especially at high temperatures, bacteria multiply extremely quickly in a damp environment, so that the drinking point quickly becomes a risk of infection.

If you provide water, you are doing squirrels a great favor

Natural planting

Squirrels come into the garden all by themselves if the garden has attractive sources of food to offer. Hazelnut bushes are a magical attraction for rodents. If there is enough space in your garden, you can plant some spruce or a walnut tree. In late summer the squirrels will harvest the trees. In smaller gardens, berry bushes or low apple trees are ideal. They provide the rodents with a refreshing change.

A balcony for squirrels:

• Flower boxes(€ 13.99 at Amazon *) with local wild herbs
• Climbing plants like ivy on the railing
• Buckets and planters with fruit and nut bushes on the balcony area

Attract squirrels

The animals can be easily attracted with nuts on the balcony. There are special feed boxes for squirrels that can be filled with various goodies. The more varied the food spectrum, the better the rodents accept the offer. Offer chestnuts, peanuts, hazelnuts, and walnuts. With Beechnuts, fresh apple and pear pieces and dried bananas make the dinner plate more attractive. Also gladly used Tit dumplings(€ 8.99 at Amazon *) or food for wild birds.

Squirrel in art

With their bright coloring and bushy tail, squirrels have always inspired people's imaginations. While the red color of the fur reminded some of the blazing flames of Hellfire, others were inspired by the way of life. Squirrels are a popular subject in art to this day.

15. century

In 1470 the Flemish painter Hugo van der Goes designed an altarpiece on which a little squirrel balanced on the roof beam above the Holy Family. The hard-working rodent not only represents the devil, but also represents Christian virtues. The painting symbolizes the search for divine truth.

16. century

During this time, Hans Holbein the Younger created a portrait of Lady Anne Lovell, who is holding a squirrel in her arms. The rodents were considered popular pets at that time, which is why it can also be found in the family coat of arms. It should represent the virtues of diligence and efficiency. But the animal was also associated with the devil, which can be seen in the painting of the Fall by Flemish artist Michiel Coxcie. He painted the devil in the shape of a squirrel at Eva's feet.

19. century

English artists like to use the squirrel motif in their landscape paintings. England had large populations of squirrels prior to the introduction of the American gray squirrels. The gray squirrels, which specialize in deciduous forests, have since displaced the native species.

20. century

The artist Meret Oppenheim, who can be assigned to surrealism, designed an object called squirrel in 1969. She replaced the handle of a large beer mug with a bushy tail. This work placed natural elements in a new context. It was a combination of industry and nature that was repulsive and impressive at the same time.

today

Squirrels are popular in art to this day. Because of their gentle appearance, they serve as a coloring page that is colored in in kindergarten and elementary school. The charming animals are not only to be found in coloring pictures. They take on human traits in comics, cartoons and black and white clip art, are realized in costumes or immortalized as a tattoo on the body. Squirrel cats are popular decorative elements and are addressed in poems.

The different characteristics of the animals are exaggerated in animated films. Scrat is the squirrel from the film "Ice Age", who faces every danger on the hunt for the coveted acorn. It is considered the ultimate survivor and makes for some natural disasters. Hyperactive squirrels are not uncommon in animated films. In the film "Ab durch die Hecke", it is the squirrel Hammy who keeps the other characters on their toes thanks to his cranked manner.

More films with squirrels:

• The Little Red Riding Hood conspiracy
• Really crazy
• Hunting fever

Idioms

Squirrels are popular with young and old because of their appearance. In the course of time, some sayings have developed that refer to the smart climbing artist.

"The Devil is a squirrel"

If you have ever watched a squirrel in the wild, you could see the skill for sure. The rodents are extremely nimble and agile. You can even climb upside down on tree trunks or rough house walls. As early as the Middle Ages, animals were associated with the devil because of this apparently supernatural way of life and their bright red color.

According to countless legends, the devil likes to show himself as a cute squirrel. In this way he can deceive poor sinners unnoticed. These traditions were probably the reason for this phrase, which is to be understood as a warning. Seemingly harmless situations can lead to unpleasant twists and turns.

"The squirrel has a hard time feeding itself"

Squirrels need a lot of patience to get at the seeds of a pine cone. You are sitting on a branch and pull the coveted cone towards you with your front paws. This is separated from the branch with the incisor teeth. The rodent then carries the captured food in its mouth onto a secure branch in order to nibble off the scales one by one with its incisor teeth.

The idiom has developed into a winged saying, which is used to comfort one another about arduous work. At the same time it is funny and encourages, because a goal can also be achieved in many small steps.

Squirrels in mythology and culture

The fur of Russian squirrels is used to make clothes because of its interesting coloring. The skins of the Siberian squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris exalbidus) are particularly popular. It is a subspecies of the European squirrel found in Siberia, whose winter fur has a blue-gray back color with a white belly side. In trade, the fur is also called a feh.

Spiritual meaning

In the past, the squirrel always had a special symbolic power. The peculiarities and ways of life of the rodent led humanity all over the world to spiritual associations.

frequently asked Questions

How old do squirrels get?

The age of the rodents depends on the living conditions. While the life expectancy of animals in the wild is around three years, squirrels in captivity have a lifespan of seven to ten years.

Can you keep a squirrel as a pet?

Squirrels are not cage animals and cannot be kept indoors. They absolutely need a species-appropriate attitude in the open air. Anyone interested in breeding should only buy a squirrel from approved breeders.

Can squirrels be tamed?

It's not difficult to tame a squirrel. With regular contact with humans, the animals develop a great deal of trust even in nature. However, the rodents are not suitable for petting and cuddling, because they can become very brazen and damage the skin with claws and teeth.

What is the name of the squirrel in Bavarian?

The Bavarian term for squirrel is Oachkatzl. This name goes back to a common name of the rodent: the squirrel cat. A popular term is Oachkatzlschwoaf, which refers to the animal's bushy tail. Often people who have moved to Bavaria have to take a joke language test in which they have to correctly reproduce this word in the local dialect.

Are there flying squirrels?

There are no squirrels that fly. However, in the mixed and birch forests between Finland and Siberia there is a species of rodent that can fly up to 80 meters with the help of thin skin membranes. These flying squirrels need an elevated point to take off. They glide through the air and control flight by moving their tail and legs.

Can squirrels transmit disease?

You don't have to worry about infection if you come into contact with an injured or weakened squirrel. The animals do not carry any diseases that can be transmitted to humans. Squirrels often suffer from various ectoparasites such as mites, ticks, and fleas. Normally, these parasites do not pass on to humans.