Squirrel Appreciation Day
The National Wildlife Federation says this is Squirrel Appreciation Day, which leaves lots of gardeners grinding their teeth.
The "day" was started in 2001 by Christy Hargrove, a wildlife rehabilitator in North Carolina.
This is what NWF has to say about the little furry-tailed pests:
No matter how you feel about squirrels, they are remarkable creatures. These small mammals are some of the most successfully adapted animals to both fragmented habitat and urban living.
While many may see them as vexing pests that consume vast quantities of bird food and scavenge ridiculous things for nesting materials, take Jan. 21 to look at them in a new light -- as a reminder of the wildlife around us.
What's next, gardeners may ask?
Deer Appreciation Day? Cat that Stalks Birds at My Feeder Appreciation Day? Dog that Digs in My Beds Appreciation Day?
Photo credit: Phil Cole/Getty
Squirrels not only raid our bird feeders and dig up our bulbs, the NWF reports that twice, in 1987 and 1994, squirrels shut down the NASDAQ exchange by getting into the wiring.
Who knows? Squirrels also may be responsible for the dot-com bubble, sub-prime mortgages and excessive Wall Street bonuses...
Comments
Squirrels are o.k. as long as they stay far enough away. They scare me.
Posted by: NotableM | January 21, 2010 4:49 PM
Squirrels are a big part of garden wildlife. Kids love squirrels. It seems once we grow up we view them as an annoyance, instead of fun. Actually, the same can be said for pigeons.
Posted by: ruth | January 21, 2010 7:18 PM
Squirrels, are amazing to watch and will do almost anything to get their paws on a nut. Search on "squirrel obstacle course" on Google videos to see some amazing and entertaining stuff!
Posted by: tygr6 | January 21, 2010 8:51 PM
Squirrels are smart, fast, and cute. It's about time people recognized how wonderful we are.
Posted by: Mensa Squirrel | January 21, 2010 8:53 PM
I go outside before work and on weekends to feed the squirrels in my neighborhood.
Once they learn that you will feed them and aren't going to hurt them, they will come down out of the trees when you call them.
Posted by: Michael Young | January 21, 2010 10:12 PM
I love the squirrels, especially those that work constantly outside my window. They are always available and ready to scurry when Harley (that's my dog) needs a good run. I missed their official appreciation day, but I don't think they will mind a belated gift.
What's the gift, Lester?--Susan
Posted by: Lester Wall | January 22, 2010 9:09 AM
Rats with bushy tails.
Ha!!!--Susan
Posted by: Joan Wilhelm | January 22, 2010 10:47 AM