So, imagine my surprise to learn that there are new squirrels to meet and learn about! I mean...SQUIRRELS!
I submit for your consideration new squirrel number one: the fox squirrel.
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Able to leap small canyons in a single bound (15 feet horizontally), these rodents are zippy companions to my little neighborhood here. They clamber up trees and utility poles with equal ease, and trot along utility cables without batting an eye - something that any self-respecting squirrel should be able to do.
And even though several raptors and other predators happily add fox squirrels to their menu options, these mammals can live impressively long lives. I read that females can hang in there for over twelve years, while most males are lucky to see eight (must be all that territorial fighting takes its toll).
The other new squirrel I can't wait to see is the thirteen-lined ground squirrel. I'll have to wait until spring, however, for these fellows are tucked away below ground for the winter.
Now, THAT is an impressive squirrel! Pretty, too, with that all that chestnut coloring.
ReplyDeleteOh my, this does bring back memories of my Michigan youth, where Fox Squirrels and the striped ground squirrels (we called them gophers to distinguish them from chipmunks) were ubiquitous. Have fun watching their antics.
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