One of my readers asked a question regarding squirrel communication. They wanted to know if a squirrel is similar to the chickadee. Remember in Wild Fact #991 when I explained how the number of “dees” at the end of the call will often relate to the danger of the threat below.
You can always hear squirrels chattering away in the trees. Generally, these vocalizations are more related to the possessive nature of the squirrel. Basically, if something (or someone) comes into their territory or near their food source or anything that they think is theirs, they will chirp, chirp and chirp some more. All they are saying is “this is mine so you better back off”. They are similar to the “Mine, Mine, Mine” gulls in Finding Nemo. As well, squirrel chatter will increase during mating season, which is between February and March and again between June and July (although these times could be later in more northern latitudes). Squirrels will also make a lot of racket to warn other squirrels of potential predators but to this point there has been no proof as to whether or not they distinguish between the severity of the threat. One of the more interesting techniques that squirrels use for communicating is the flicking of their tail. Quite often they will put on an impressive display with their tail to get a point across. On a side note, they also use their large tails to protect them from the sun, rain and cold. As well, it provides the perfect balancing pole for those tricky tight rope walks through the trees. Even though, the squirrel is very vocal, I would be willing to bet that most of those vocalizations outside of the mating season are to say that this is their “whatever” and to back away.
So, now comes the hard part, try not to get too offended the next time you are filling up the bird feeder and your friendly, neighbourhood squirrel is chirping away at you. Remember, the squirrel thinks that food is theirs!!
Nature has always been a source of entertainment around our house and the squirrel is probably at the top of the list in the laughter category. It is amazing how many times they can chase each other around a tree trunk! On more than one occasion they have unknowingly warned me of bears in the area by catching my attention with their excessive chatter. I felt honoured to have a personal watch-squirrel but now I know it was probably me they were chattering at. Nevertheless, I appreciate their warning and your great explanation.
You are incredibly lucky to have nature all around your house. Squirrels definitely have some unique behaviour which makes it interesting to watch. I hope you don’t feel too hurt about your own personal guard squirrel. They may very well be chirping at the bear since he/she is entering their territory. It is a great way to know that something is in the area! I know when I was hunting, I would always get frustrated with the squirrels since they would never shut up. I figured they would have warned every other animal that I was coming!
Thanks for the comments. It is always nice to wake up to comments!
They vie only with men for their unnecessary chatter!
hahahahaha! Nice burn on men everywhere!
Quite interesting! This is my first visit to your blog and I’m simply impressed with the quality of your contents! I find your writing style to be the type that captures readers attention and one doesn’t want to stop reading! It’s a great resource for all the animal lovers 🙂
Interesting post you have today. I made mention of squirrel chatter for tomorrows shot on my site. Take care.
Hey, I would like some assistance, please read the narrative on my site for Saturday. Tell others. Thanks in advance.
First of all, thanks to everyone for their comments! It is greatly appreciated.
Meam Wye – Thank you for the very nice review and comments. I am glad you enjoyed reading the animal facts! Thanks again for the nice words!
Lee – I am already looking forward to tomorrows photo (which I am assuming will be of a squirrel). I hope everyone checks out Lee’s Photoblog tomorrow (and every day for that matter…. He has incredible photos)
I hope everyone has a great weekend!