Squirrel Appreciation Day 🐿

Overview

Celebrated annually on January 21st, Squirrel Appreciation Day is dedicated to recognizing the often-overlooked charm and ecological importance of these busy, bushy-tailed rodents. It's a day to observe their playful antics, marvel at their nut-stashing prowess, and acknowledge their significant role in seed dispersal and forest regeneration.

Origin and story

Squirrel Appreciation Day was created by Christy Hargrove, a wildlife rehabilitator in Asheville, North Carolina, in 2001.

The holiday is celebrated every year on January 21, typically in the colder months when squirrels might need a little extra recognition and help.

Quick facts

• DateJanuary 21
• TypeKindness / Community
• Great forCommunity groups, Friends, Coworkers

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Ways to celebrate

• Watch squirrels in parks or your yard.
• Learn how they gather and store food.
• Notice how they interact with their environment.
• Avoid feeding wildlife processed food.
• Protect trees and green spaces.
• Learn how squirrels help plant forests by burying seeds.

Fun facts

• Squirrel Appreciation Day was created by Christy Hargrove, a wildlife rehabilitator in Asheville, North Carolina, in 2001.
• The holiday is celebrated every year on January 21st, typically in the colder months when squirrels might need a little extra recognition and help.
• Squirrels are known for burying thousands of nuts each year, and while they retrieve many, the ones they forget often grow into trees, playing a vital role in forest ecosystems.
• There are over 200 species of squirrels worldwide, ranging from tiny pygmy squirrels to large groundhogs, but the most common are tree squirrels.
• Squirrels can locate buried nuts by their sense of smell, even under a foot of snow, but they also use spatial memory to remember where they hid their treasures.
• Their front teeth continuously grow throughout their lives, which is why they must constantly gnaw on things to keep them at a manageable length.

Sources and attribution

Squirrel Facts & Behavior (National Wildlife Federation)

All About Squirrels (National Geographic)

External links may lead to third-party websites.

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FAQ

When is Squirrel Appreciation Day?

It is observed on January 21 each year.

What is Squirrel Appreciation Day?

Celebrated annually on January 21, Squirrel Appreciation Day is dedicated to recognizing the often-overlooked charm and ecological importance of these busy, bushy-tailed rodents. It's a day to observe their playful antics, marvel at their nut-stashing prowess, and acknowledge their significant role in seed dispersal and forest regeneration.

How do people celebrate Squirrel Appreciation Day?

Observe squirrels outdoors and learn about their role in ecosystems.

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