SQUIRREL AWARENESS MONTH

History of SQUIRREL AWARENESS MONTH

Squirrel Awareness Month was founded in 1995 by a man named Greg Bassett, who had an encounter with a squirrel. After that, he founded the Squirrel Lover’s Club to educate others about these adorable little creatures. Squirrels belong to the rodent family. There are more than 200 different species of squirrel around the globe. There are many different types of squirrels, such as ground squirrels, flying squirrels, woodchucks, chipmunks, and others. Although squirrels are typically thought of as an undesirable nuisance, their presence benefits the ecosystem and, in urban areas, contributes to the attractiveness of parks.

Squirrels were not common in American cities until the mid-19th century. To have squirrels in city parks, you’d have to change the landscape through tree planting and building parks. You also needed to change people’s behavior by dissuading them from killing squirrels and instead encouraging people to feed the animals.

In 1847, the first recorded introduction took place in Philadelphia’s Franklin Square. New Haven and Boston followed suit a few years later, in 1850, bringing in squirrels. By the 1860s, the squirrel experiment had come to an end, with many squirrels either dying or being killed due to concerns that they might disturb birds and cause insect problems. However, squirrel releases resumed in the 1870s on a larger scale, as enormous parks were built in Washington, D.C., New York, Boston, Chicago, and other big cities, providing a welcome habitat for squirrels to live and thrive.

SQUIRREL AWARENESS MONTH timeline

1847

Squirrels are First Introduced in Park

The first recorded introduction of squirrels takes place in Philadelphia's Franklin Square.

1850

Squirrels are Introduced in Boston and New Haven

Boston and New Haven follow suit a few years later by bringing squirrels to their public parks.

1870s

Squirrels are Introduced on a Large Scale

Squirrel releases resume on a larger scale, as enormous parks are built in Boston, New York, Chicago, Washington D.C., and other big cities

1995

Greg Bassett Encounters a Squirrel

Greg Bassett has close contact with a squirrel, and as a result, he establishes the Squirrel Lover's Club to spread awareness of these endearing rodents and create the groundwork for Squirrel Awareness Month.

SQUIRREL AWARENESS MONTH FAQs

When is Squirrel Awareness Month?

Squirrel Awareness Month runs throughout October 2026, dedicating the entire month to appreciating these vital creatures. It’s a perfect time to observe local wildlife and learn about their ecological contributions.

How do squirrels contribute to the ecosystem?

Squirrels play a crucial role in forest regeneration, primarily through their seed dispersal habits. By burying nuts and seeds and sometimes forgetting them, they effectively ‘plant’ new trees, significantly contributing to the makeup of plant communities and forest health.

How many squirrel species are there worldwide?

There are over 200 recognized species of squirrels globally, belonging to the family Sciuridae. This diverse group includes tree squirrels, ground squirrels, and flying squirrels, found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica.

Are squirrels considered pests or beneficial wildlife?

Squirrels are often seen as both. While their foraging can sometimes lead to garden damage or nuisance in urban areas, their ecological benefits, such as forest regeneration and seed dispersal, are undeniable. They are vital components of healthy ecosystems.

SQUIRREL AWARENESS MONTH Activities

Feed the little creatures

You can celebrate Squirrel Awareness Month by visiting a public park and feeding the adorable little creatures. Squirrels love most types of nuts but they will also eat fresh fruit and vegetables.

Plant some trees

You can also celebrate Squirrel Awareness Month by planting trees. Trees provide shelter and food for wildlife such as birds, squirrels, and insects.

Share on social media

You can celebrate Squirrel Awareness Month by sharing posts and pictures of the little creatures on social media with the hashtag #SquirrelAwarenessMonth. You can also encourage others via your socials to plant trees.

5 Interesting Facts About Squirrels

They store food for winter

Squirrels need food during the chilly winter months, so they build a stockpile deep under the snow for consumption throughout the winter season.

Their front teeth don't stop growing

Squirrels' front teeth, like those of other rodents, continue to develop throughout their lives.

They zigzag to avoid predators

Squirrels flee in a zigzag fashion when they are threatened.

They engage in deceptive caching

At this stage, the squirrel digs a hole and fiercely plugs it up without using the nut to fend off any food thieves.

They gain weight before winter

Squirrels remain warm during the harsh winter months by gaining weight.

Why We Love SQUIRREL AWARENESS MONTH

They are friendly creatures

Only a small percentage of wild animals are comfortable approaching people. However, squirrels are mostly amiable animals. Many are used to being close to people, and some will even eat right off of their hands!

They are the gardeners of nature

In particular, in forest settings, squirrels have a significant ecological role. Their influence on plant composition has the greatest positive impact on the forest. They have an odd habit of burying seeds, which are their primary source of nutrition. They scatter them over the area and frequently lose track of their whereabouts when looking for them afterward. When that occurs, they are sowing seeds.

They exhibit several bizarre habits that are fun to observe

Squirrels exhibit some habits that humans find perplexing. For example, if you notice a squirrel rubbing its face on an acorn, it is marking the seed with its scent to make it easier for it to discover later. Ever notice a squirrel chasing another squirrel around? Well, that's a mate-seeking activity,