• Meet Our Team
  • Advertise on SCDN
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Contact Us
Friday, October 10
Scioto County Daily News
  • Login
  • Register
Subscribe For $1/week
  • Public Safety
    ambulance

    No Ambulance Available: Nursing Home Call Highlights Ongoing EMS Crisis 

    BAD BEHAVIOR

    Family Feud Turns Ugly: Grandma and Grandson Both Arrested  

    Scioto County Grand Jury Indictments

    19 New Scioto County Grand Jury Indictments

    Sheriff night 1

    Deputies Step In as Teen Meltdown Escalates in West Portsmouth 

    Southern Ohio Medical Center

    Shove at SOMC: Dad Walks Out With Child, Staff Calls Police 

    SCDN File Photo

    Flying Object From SUV Strikes Woman in Farley Square 

    Busted Arrests Portsmouth Scioto County Mugshots

    Busted! 10/09/25 New Arrests in Portsmouth, Ohio – Scioto County Mugshots

    SCDN File Photo

    Bloody Scene at Dollar General Ends With Hospital Trip 

    Handcuffed and On the Run: Foot Pursuit on Gallia Street 

    domestic violence abuse

    Domestic Dispute Ends in Arrest After Man Admits Grabbing Woman by the Throat 

    homeless

    Homeless Camp Sweep Ends in Arrests — and a Troubling Release 

    Police lights in rear view 1

    Repeat Offender Nabbed Again in Wheelersburg Traffic Stop 

    dog animal cruelty

    “Starved” Dog Found Dead in Scioto County : Animal Control Crisis 

    Chase Scoggins

    A Judge Speaks Out: The Story of Chase Scoggins Echoes Portsmouth’s Own Struggles 

    Busted Arrests Portsmouth Scioto County Mugshots

    Busted! 10/08/25 New Arrests in Portsmouth, Ohio – Scioto County Mugshots

    OSP 22

    Scioto County Man Involved in Fatal Gallia County Crash 

    Suspect arrested

    CHEATING CLAIM ERUPTS INTO VIOLENCE — HUSBAND CUFFED AFTER WIFE CALLS 911 FROM SHOWER 

    He Just Kept Coming Back: Bizarre Stranger Terrifies Carlyle Avenue Resident 

    CNA Punched in the Face at Wheelersburg Nursing Home

    911 dispatcher

    Trailer Drama in West Portsmouth Prompts 911 Call 

  • Lawrence County
  • Politics

    Democrats Blast Bryan Davis: “Quit Collecting a Paycheck You’re Not Earning” 

    Robert Horton

    Update in Robert Horton Corruption Case 

    Davis Commish

    No Updates, Just an Empty Seat: Powell and Smith Say Davis Drama is Out of Their Hands

    weird strange absurd

    Parking, Murals, and an Indicted Commissioner: Sparks Fly at Portsmouth City Manager’s Conference 

    Bryan Davis Due Back In Court October 21 

    Sean Dunne Next Mayor of Portsmouth?

    Dunne: “It’s Time for Portsmouth to Speak Up” on Davis Resignation 

    confused woman

    Portsmouth Council Weighs Asking Davis to Resign 

    Turning Point USA

    Student Democrats Deny Role in Petition to Ban Turning Point USA at SSU 

    Turning Point USA

    Portsmouth Politics Escalate: SSU Students Petition to Ban Turning Point USA

    Recorder Gary Jenkins

    Scioto County Recorder’s Office Increases Fees 

    Scottie Powell

    Commissioner Powell Responds to Conflict of Interest Questions 

    FOP Endorses Malone, Neff in Portsmouth City Election 

    Bryan Davis

    Where’s Bryan Davis? GOP Says Step Down — Court Says Suspended

    SCDN File Photo

    Where’s Bryan Davis? After Two Missed Meetings, GOP Says It’s Time to Step Down 

    This bench is a different bench located near Jim Dandy's

    Exclusive: The Bench Is Back — But the Political Drama Isn’t Over 

    crisis question

    Where’s Bryan Davis? Commissioners, Citizens Ask the Same Question 

    Scioto County Commissioner Bryan Davis

    Bryan Davis Arraignment Set, New Judge Assigned 

    Bryan Davis

    Why Commissioner Davis Staying in Office Raises Big Problems 

    Scottie Powell

    Powell Calls on Commissioner Davis to Resign 

    Scioto County Bryan Davis Scandal

    🗓 Timeline of a Scandal: How Scioto County’s Economic Development Crisis Unfolded 

  • Feel Good

    Honoring Scioto County’s First Town — and Its First People: New Heritage Trail Sign Dedicated at Earl Thomas Conley Park 

    A man approaching the bowling lane with a red bowling ball as his three friends in the background cheer him on.

    How Bowling Can Improve Your Mental Health

    A sleek blue sedan parked on concrete. Behind the vehicle is a view of the sky with a setting sun over a body of water.

    How To Make Your Daily Driver Feel Like a Sports Car

    A person's hand is holding a miniature wooden house with a green roof and a budding plant on top against a green background.

    How To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint at Home

    A man sitting in a vehicle is handing over an ID card to a female police officer standing by his window.

    Tips for Staying Calm During Police Encounters

    Cyn Mackley

    Cyn Mackley Channels Haunted Appalachia

    A group of friends stand around a table, smiling, laughing, and drinking. There are plates of food on the table.

    Creative Ways To Host Outdoor Events This Summer

    A family of two parents and a young boy and girl are playing laser tag with vests and laser blasters in an arena.

    What Activities To Offer at a Family Fun Center

    Shawnee State University SSU

    Shawnee State University Joins New Athletic Conference, Adds Football to Lineup 

    BREAKING: Commissioners Make Shocking Decision—Halloween to Remain on Halloween 

    Escape to the Hills: A Summer Reading List Set in Appalachia 

    Scioto County Champs: Lady Trojans and Word Wizards Bring Home the Gold 

    “I Held Those Keys Tight” — One Man’s Harrowing Journey from Addiction to Hope 

    Three girls in quinceañera dresses stand beside one another. The one in middle has a gold dress while the other two wear pink.

    Tips for Selecting the Color of a Quinceañera Dress

    The Day the Streak Ended: Lakers’ 1987 Record Broken

    An angler standing at the edge of a lake just after sunset with three fishing rods resting on the ground next to him.

    Night Fishing: Who Is It for and How Do You Start?

    good cops

    Cops Rescue Lost Man 

    good cops

    Kid Misses Bus, Deputy to the Rescue 

    A group of people stands outside with their arms in the air. They hold their hands together, making a pyramid shape.

    Hidden Gems: Community Strategies for Mental Wellness

    good cops

    Man Says He’s Trapped in Armory 

  • Obituaries
    Julia Mae Duke

    Julia Mae Duke, 83 of Piketon

    Dana LaMonte Messer

    Dana LaMonte Messer, 68 of Portsmouth

    Heath Aaron Pollard

    Heath Aaron Pollard, 43 Jackson

    Betty Kathleen Rowe

    Betty Kathleen Rowe, aged 91 of Wheelersburg

    Diana J. Todd

    Diana J. Todd, 81 of Sciotoville

    David W. Bauer

    David W. Bauer, 94 of Wheelersburg

    Dorothy Sue Stringfield

    Dorothy Sue Stringfield, 62 of Portsmouth

    Garry Arnett Hurless

    Garry Arnett Hurless, 83 of Piketon

    William Ratliff

    William C. Ratliff 72, of Portsmouth

    Annetta Collins

    Annetta Collins, 68 of South Webster

    Elizabeth Ann Smith

    Elizabeth Ann Smith, age 62 of New Boston

    Judith Phipps

    Judith Ann (Tackett) Phipps, 84 of Mt. Perry

    Patricia Aileen (White) Attaway

    Patricia Aileen (White) Attaway of Georgia

    Bonnie Lafrida Riddlebarger

    Bonnie Lafrida Riddlebarger, 88 of New Boston

    Fontella Munn

    Fontella Munn, 87 of Lucasville

    Beverly Jane Kessinger

    Beverly Jane Kessinger, 82 of Friendship

    Barbara Williams

    Beth Ann Fite, 68 of Wheelersburg

    Barbara Williams

    Linda Kay Percell, 77 of Wheelersburg,

    William Emanuel Redoutey Sr

    William Emanuel Redoutey Sr., 80 of Portsmouth

    R. Eugene O. Collins

    R. Eugene O. Collins, 93 of West Portsmouth

  • More News
    • All News
    • Arts & Entertainment
    • Education
    • Economy
    • Food & Drinks
    • Local Business
    • National
    • Opinion
    • Regional
    • Strange But True
    • Trending
No Result
View All Result
Scioto County Daily News
No Result
View All Result
  • Login
  • Register
Scioto County Daily News
No Result
View All Result

Scioto County Squirrel Scene: Facts & Lore

Mark Craycraft by Mark Craycraft
1 year ago
in Education
Scioto County Squirrel
ShareTweetEmail

Squirrels are a familiar sight in Scioto County, Ohio, where an estimated population of tens of thousands scurry through forests, parks, and neighborhoods. These agile rodents play a crucial role in the ecosystem by aiding in seed dispersal, which promotes forest regeneration. Common myths about squirrels include that they remember the exact location of all their buried nuts, which isn’t entirely true; they rely on a combination of memory and a keen sense of smell.

Historically, Native Americans in Scioto County used squirrels as a food source and for their fur. They also observed the squirrels’ behavior to predict weather changes. These small mammals are integral to the environment, helping maintain a balance by being both prey and predator.

Please Support This Local Business

Let’s explore Scioto County’s Squirrel Scene.

RELATED POSTS

No Ambulance Available: Nursing Home Call Highlights Ongoing EMS Crisis 

19 New Scioto County Grand Jury Indictments

Deputies Step In as Teen Meltdown Escalates in West Portsmouth 

Page 1 of 6

Eastern Gray Squirrel

Features and Markings: The Eastern Gray Squirrel is easily identified by its predominantly gray fur, with a white underbelly and large bushy tail.

Eating Habits: These squirrels primarily eat nuts, seeds, fruits, and fungi. They are known for burying nuts to save for winter.

Mating Habits: Eastern Gray Squirrels mate twice a year, typically in late winter and midsummer.

Where They Sleep: They build dreys (nests) in tree branches or use hollow tree cavities.

Reproduction: Litters usually consist of 2-4 young. The mother nurses her young for about 10 weeks until they are ready to forage on their own.

Fun Fact: Eastern Gray Squirrels can remember the locations of hundreds of their buried nuts.

Page 2 of 6

Fox Squirrel

Features and Markings: The Fox Squirrel is the largest tree squirrel in North America, with a rusty brown coat and a bushy tail.

Eating Habits: They enjoy a diet of nuts, seeds, fruits, and occasionally insects.

Mating Habits: Fox Squirrels also mate twice a year, during the same seasons as the Eastern Gray Squirrel.

Where They Sleep: They prefer tree cavities but will also build dreys in the absence of suitable hollows.

Reproduction: Litters consist of 2-3 young. The mother cares for her young until they are about 12 weeks old.

Fun Fact: Fox Squirrels are excellent at planting trees as they often forget where they’ve buried their nuts.

Page 3 of 6

Red Squirrel

Features and Markings: Red Squirrels are smaller with reddish fur and a white underbelly.

Eating Habits: They mainly eat seeds from conifer cones, but they also consume nuts, fruits, and fungi.

Mating Habits: Red Squirrels mate once or twice a year, typically in late winter or early spring.

Where They Sleep: They build nests in trees or find shelter in hollow trees.

Reproduction: The average litter consists of 3-4 young. The mother weans them for about 8 weeks.

Fun Fact: Red Squirrels are very territorial and will defend their food stores aggressively.

Page 4 of 6

Southern Flying Squirrel

Features and Markings: This small squirrel has a gray-brown coat with a white belly and large eyes for nocturnal vision.

Eating Habits: They eat nuts, seeds, fruits, insects, and even bird eggs.

Mating Habits: Mating typically occurs once a year, in the spring.

Where They Sleep: They nest in tree cavities, often using old woodpecker holes.

Reproduction: Litters usually consist of 2-3 young. The mother cares for them until they are 6-8 weeks old.

Fun Fact: Southern Flying Squirrels can glide up to 150 feet between trees using the patagium, a membrane stretching from wrist to ankle.

Page 5 of 6

Eastern Chipmunk

Features and Markings: The Eastern Chipmunk is small with reddish-brown fur and distinctive stripes down its back.

Eating Habits: They eat nuts, seeds, fruits, and occasionally insects.

Mating Habits: Eastern Chipmunks mate twice a year, in early spring and late summer.

Where They Sleep: They live in burrows that they dig themselves, often under logs or in bushes.

Reproduction: Litters usually consist of 4-5 young. The mother cares for her young until they are about 6 weeks old.

Fun Fact: Chipmunks can gather and store up to 165 acorns in a single day.

Page 6 of 6

Wrap it Up

As we wrap up our exploration of the squirrels of Scioto County, here are a few more fun facts. Did you know that squirrels can fall from heights of up to 100 feet without injury due to their bushy tails that act as parachutes? Additionally, their front teeth never stop growing, which is why they constantly gnaw on things to keep them in check. The best time to observe squirrels is early in the morning or late in the afternoon when they are most active, foraging for food and interacting with each other. Happy squirrel watching!

Tags: NewsletterScioto County
Please Support This Local Business

TRENDING NOW

Busted Arrests Portsmouth Scioto County Mugshots

Busted! 10/01/25 New Arrests in Portsmouth, Ohio – Scioto County Mugshots

October 1, 2025
Busted Arrests Portsmouth Scioto County Mugshots

Busted! 09/30/25 New Arrests in Portsmouth, Ohio – Scioto County Mugshots

September 30, 2025
Mark Craycraft

SCDN Names First Suspect in Explosive Human Trafficking Case: Attorney Gene Meadows 

September 30, 2025
Busted Arrests Portsmouth Scioto County Mugshots

Busted! 09/29/25 New Arrests in Portsmouth, Ohio – Scioto County Mugshots

September 29, 2025
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost

135 Arrested in Statewide Human Trafficking Crackdown — Southern Ohio at the Center 

October 1, 2025

ABOUT US

We are a grassroots team of local journalists on a mission to give our community up-to-the-second news and events for Southern Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and Western West Virginia. We believe progress inspires change and we believe our reporting has become the front-lines of Portsmouth, Ohio's comeback.

CATEGORIES

  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Casino
  • Economy
  • Education
  • Feel Good
  • Food & Drink
  • Local Business
  • National
  • Obituaries
  • Ohio
  • Opinion
  • Politics
  • Public Safety
  • Regional
  • Strange But True
  • Video

AREAS SERVED

  • Portsmouth
  • Wheelersburg
  • Minford
  • Waverly
  • Friendship
  • Ironton
  • West Union
  • Piketon
  • Coal Grove
  • South Point
  • Vanceburg
  • Grayson
  • South Shore
  • Greenup
  • Raceland
  • Ashland

SITE SEARCH

No Result
View All Result
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service

© 2025 Scioto County Daily News. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Login
  • Sign Up
  • Home
  • Trending
  • Public Safety
  • Lawrence County
  • Obituaries
  • Politics
  • Education
  • Feel Good
  • All News
  • About Us
    • Meet Our Team
    • FAQ
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise on SCDN
  • Legal
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Service

© 2025 Scioto County Daily News. All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Login
  • Sign Up
  • Home
  • Trending
  • Public Safety
  • Lawrence County
  • Obituaries
  • Politics
  • Education
  • Feel Good
  • All News
  • About Us
    • Meet Our Team
    • FAQ
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise on SCDN
  • Legal
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Service

© 2025 Scioto County Daily News. All Rights Reserved.