It is an unofficial holiday founded in 2001 by North Carolina wildlife rehabilitator Christy McKeown to urge people to leave out seeds and nuts for these adorable rodents.
Squirrel Appreciation Day is a day of observance that occurs on January 21st every year. The day is dedicated to recognizing and appreciating the role of squirrels in the ecosystem, and raising awareness about protecting these animals and their habitats. People can celebrate the day by observing and learning about squirrels in their local area, or by participating in local events and activities that focus on squirrel conservation.
A Scurry of Squirrels
A group of squirrels is commonly referred to as a “scurry” of squirrels.
Discovered in Different Sizes
Squirrels are found in a variety of sizes, depending on the species. Some of the smallest species, such as the African pygmy squirrel, can be as small as 5 inches, while larger species, such as the Malabar giant squirrel, can grow up to 3 feet long.
Activities for Squirrel Appreciation Day
There are several ways to recognize Squirrel Appreciation Day, which is usually observed on January 21st. Among the probable activities are:
- Observing and researching squirrels in your neighborhood park or backyard
- To attract squirrels to your yard, build a squirrel feeder or bird feeder.
- Planting trees and other plants that provide squirrels with food and shelter
- Understanding the many varieties of squirrels and their environments
- Reading or viewing squirrel-related instructional materials
- Educating people about the necessity of squirrel population protection and preservation.
- Take a snapshot of a squirrel and post it to social media with the hashtag #SquirrelAppreciationDay.
