15 Reasons You Should Appreciate Squirrels

Source: Mental Floss | January 21, 2018 | Shaunacy Ferro

Even if you live in a big city, you probably see wildlife on a regular basis. Namely, you’re sure to run into a lot of squirrels, even in the densest urban areas. And if you happen to live on a college campus, well, you’re probably overrun with them. While some people might view them as adorable, others see them as persistent pests bent on chewing on and nesting in everything in sight. But in honor of National Squirrel Appreciation Day, here are 15 reasons you should appreciate the savvy, amazing, bushy-tailed critters.

1. THEY CAN JUMP REALLY, REALLY FAR.

…….

2. THEY’RE VERY ORGANIZED …

…….

3. … BUT THEIR FORGETFULNESS HELPS TREES GROW.

……..

4. THEY HELP TRUFFLES THRIVE.

……..

5. THEY’RE ONE OF THE FEW MAMMALS THAT CAN SPRINT DOWN A TREE HEAD-FIRST.

……..

6. SEVERAL TOWNS COMPETE FOR THE TITLE OF ‘HOME OF THE WHITE SQUIRREL.’

……..

7. THEY CAN AID STROKE RESEARCH.

……..

8. THEIR FUR MAY HAVE SPREAD LEPROSY IN THE MIDDLE AGES.

……..

9. THEY’RE MORE POWERFUL THAN HACKERS.

……..

10. THEY CAN HEAT UP THEIR TAILS TO WARD OFF PREDATORS.

……..

11. THEY HELP SCIENTISTS KNOW WHETHER A FOREST IS HEALTHY.

……..

12. THEY CAN LIE.

……..

13. THEY WERE ONCE AMERICA’S MOST POPULAR PET.

……..

14. THE MERE SIGHT OF JUST ONE COULD ONCE ATTRACT A CROWD.

……..

15. IN THE 19TH CENTURY, THEY WERE TASKED WITH TEACHING COMPASSION.

……..

BONUS: THEY USED TO HATE TAX SEASON TOO.

Though notably absent from big cities, much of the U.S. was once overrun by squirrels. The large population of gray squirrels in early Ohio caused such widespread crop destruction that people were encouraged—nay, required—to hunt them. In 1807, the Ohio General Assembly demanded that citizens not just pay their regular taxes, but add a few squirrel carcasses on top. According to the Ohio History Connection, taxpayers had to submit a minimum of 10 squirrel scalps to the town clerk each year. Tennessee had similar laws, though that state would let people pay in dead crows if they couldn’t rustle up enough squirrels.

Tagged: 

Viewing 3 posts - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)
Viewing 3 posts - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)

You must be logged in to reply to this topic.