The Ecological Value of Squirrels: Understanding Their Importance and Living Peacefully with Them
Bill Carver, a campground host in state parks and national forests, has a love-hate relationship with squirrels. While he finds their antics entertaining, he also faces the constant battle of protecting his RV from their destructive habits. Squirrels have chewed his insulation, knocked over his propane tanks, and left piles of nut shells on his property. Carver’s frustration led him to create a Facebook group called “Squirrel Haters of America,” where he vents about his encounters with these furry creatures.
Squirrels are ubiquitous, with more than 200 species worldwide and population estimates ranging from millions to billions. Despite their cuteness, squirrels often receive negative attention. People worry about them invading attics, birdfeeders, and garden beds. However, there is much more to squirrels than meets the eye, and understanding their ecological importance can change our perception of them.
According to Alex Potash, a postdoctoral researcher in the University of Florida’s Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, squirrels play crucial roles in ecosystems and our daily lives. The act of hiding acorns and nuts is one of the most well-known behaviors of squirrels. As they collect and bury food for the winter, some of these buried treasures go unrecovered. This leads to forest regeneration as the untouched acorns germinate and grow into trees. Potash’s research has shown that squirrel behavior significantly influences where trees and other plants thrive.
Squirrels also contribute to seed distribution by eating various plants and berries. Additionally, they unintentionally spread fungus as they dig in the ground, carrying fungal spores to different locations. Their size and abundance make squirrels a vital source of food for predators such as foxes, coyotes, birds of prey, and even alligators.
To coexist peacefully with squirrels, it is essential to understand their behavior. Noah Perlut, professor and director of “Project Squirrel” at the University of New England, emphasizes their social nature and adaptability to human presence. Squirrels have learned to find food in gardens and bird feeders, as well as seek shelter in attics. However, there are simple steps homeowners can take to minimize conflicts.
Sealing small gaps around the house, repairing chewable wood, and placing mesh or hardware cloth behind openings can prevent squirrels from entering homes. In gardens, using netting or hardware cloth as a barrier can deter them. Planting alliums, marigolds, geraniums, or spicy varieties of plants can also make the garden less appealing to squirrels. When it comes to birdfeeders, embracing squirrels rather than trying to keep them away is a more positive approach. After all, feeding wildlife should include both birds and squirrels.
Experts like Potash and Perlut believe that squirrels deserve our love, appreciation, and study. Unlike other wildlife that requires extensive effort to observe, squirrels are easily accessible in our daily lives. Instead of viewing them as pests, we should consider ourselves fortunate to have these wild animals as part of our surroundings.
In conclusion, squirrels play a crucial ecological role in our ecosystems. Their behavior influences forest regeneration and seed distribution, benefiting the growth of trees and other plants. While they may cause occasional inconveniences, understanding their behavior and taking simple preventive measures can help us coexist peacefully with squirrels. Rather than hating them, we should appreciate their presence and the opportunity to observe their fascinating antics right outside our doors.
