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.
Let’s explore Scioto County’s Squirrel Scene.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!