Bird feeders often inadvertently become squirrel feeders, whether
they like it or not. Squirrels eat more than their body weight in
food each week. Their two pair of sharp incisors allow them to gnaw
through nuts, electrical wire, wood, mesh and a host of materials
put up to keep them out. Cute though they are, squirrels are members
of the rodent family. It is not a coincidence that the word rodent
comes from the Latin word rodere, which means to gnaw.
Squirrels can jump up to six feet vertically and up to ten feet horizontally.
They can scale trees or houses with no difficulty using strong back
foot toes that they also can hang from. They can be quite comfortable
hanging upside down, stuffing their little faces.
There are nine species of squirrels in North America. West Virginia
welcomes the Eastern Gray squirrel, the fox squirrel, red squirrels,
the Suthern flying squirrel and the Northern flying squirrel.
Squirrels have a highly developed olfactory sense. They can smell
food from great distances. They may come to dinner –uninvited-
and leave with a doggie bag. Squirrels often hoard food for later.
Bird watchers and bird feeders often get the opportunity to be squirrel
watchers and feeders. Baffles, special feeders, umbrellas and domes
can discourage squirrels, but squirrels will persevere. Feeders can
often be made squirrel resistant, but great engineering minds are
still working on making one completely squirrel proof. Enjoying their
antics may be the best way to handle squirrel thievery. Birdfeeders
that just can’t stand the thought of sharing with the furry
bandits may fill feeders with safflower (not sunflower!) seeds exclusively
to discourage them. Squirrels don’t like safflower seeds.
