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Animal Tails: Don't go nuts, squirrels are all around
(by Andrea Cordle, Southwest Editor - January 06, 2010)
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| Photo courtesy of Metro Parks |
| The Southern flying squirrel glides from tree to tree. It is the most common squirrel species in Ohio, but seldom seen. |
Some think squirrels are a little nutty and there are plenty of them scurrying around Ohio.
According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), there are four squirrel species in the state. They include the Southern flying squirrel, Eastern gray squirrel, fox squirrel and the red squirrel.
Southern flying squirrel
The flying squirrel is the most common squirrel in Ohio, though most people have never seen one.
"We never see them because they are nocturnal," said Debbie Ruppersburg, a naturalist with Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
The flying squirrel (also known as the fairy diddle) has a flap of loose skin that extends from its wrist to ankle, which allows it to glide from tree to tree.
"This is an extended membrane that acts like a parachute," explained Ruppersburg.
The squirrel does not actually fly, but it can glide up to 150 feet, though a normal glide in the air is about 50 feet.
Ruppersburg said flying squirrels are small mammals. They are only five to six inches long without its tail. They live in the forrest and eat acorns and berries, but the flying squirrel also feasts on meat and insects.
Darby Park will offer a closer look at flying squirrels on Feb. 13 at 6 p.m.
Ruppersburg said participants will take a hike in the woods at dark trying to find these elusive creatures. She explained park staff will put peanut butter out before the event to try to bring the squirrels out. They also may mimic the squirrel's sound.
Those interested in learning more about the fairly diddles can meet at the park's naturalist office at 6 p.m.
Eastern gray squirrel
Ruppersburg said the gray squirrel is the most commonly spotted squirrel species.
While they prefer to dwell in wooded areas, they have made their way into the cities.
People see gray squirrels rummaging around their neighborhoods. They are also more social than other squirrel species.
According to ODNR, gray squirrels take shelter in leaf nests they construct or in tree dens. The nests are made of twigs, leaves and grass. They eat nuts, seeds, fruits and insects.
Ruppersburg said gray squirrels and most squirrel species only live about five years as they are prey to numerous predators. Gray squirrels also run the risk of being struck by a vehicle as they travel around the city.
Fox squirrel
The fox squirrel is the largest squirrel in the state and sometimes confused with the gray squirrel.
According to ODNR, this species is more orange in appearance than its gray counterpart. Its body is a yellow-gray with red/yellow cheeks, face and feet. The belly is a pale yellow or orange color.
Fox squirrels prefer woodlots for homes. They make use of hickory, oak, beech, maple, elm and buckeye trees for food and shelter. They also eat insects.
Red squirrel
Ruppersburg said you will find red squirrels in pine tree groves. They prefer mixed forests, but can be found around structures.
ODNR says the red squirrel has a uniformly yellowish or reddish coat with a white belly. It has a bushy tail.
The red squirrel eats seeds, nuts, eggs and fungi.
They're nuts
Squirrels do not hibernate, but remain active in the winter. If you live in a wooded area and would like to get a look at the elusive flying squirrel, Ruppersburg recommends putting out a flying squirrel box (a nesting box). She said they are attracted to older or dead trees.
Experts also say people can leave out seeds or nuts for squirrels in the winter months.
For more information on the flying squirrel event at Darby, contact the park office at 878-3711 or log onto www.metroparks.net.
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