|
 Red
squirrels are seen around Wind Cave National Park throughout the
year. They are active even in winter, they do not hibernate.
As you stroll through the forest on an autumn
day, you may be startled by something chattering harshly from the
trees above. Follow that surprising sound and you'll find a reddish-brown,
half-pound of indignation!
The red squirrel, a type of pine squirrel, is
demonstrating typical behavior: it is defending its territory
by
"scolding" you. Along with this sound, it will also be
making threatening postures and rapidly jerking its tail. If the
trespasser does not take these warnings seriously, an actual attack
with forepaws and teeth may follow!
What
is the red squirrel defending?
-
a
home range about 200 yards in diameter.
-
a
"midden pile" used for food storage and for a "garbage
heap". It consists of conifer cones and seeds, hardwood
nuts and other interesting things the squirrel may pick up.
-
a
nest, possibly in a hollow tree or beneath a log or rock, lined
with soft vegetation and fur.
Other
interesting facts:
-
Red
squirrels molt twice a year. In the fall they molt beginning
at the tail, working toward the head. In spring they molt from
head to tail.
-
Their
midden piles provide a source of conifer seeds for foresters.
These seeds have a higher germination rate than seeds taken
directly from cones off the tree.
-
Red
squirrels are known to harvest mushrooms and dry them on tree
branches before storing them.
|
|
