Welcome back to Naturally Courtney, where
we explore the calming beauty of nature and its fascinating inhabitants. Today
we're diving into the playful world of eastern gray squirrels and uncovering the
secret life of one of the most adorable and clever creatures you might find
in your own backyard. So sit back, relax and let's uncover 10 fun facts
about these charming creatures. [Music] Fact one Secret Stash Squirrels bury some of their food to
eat later, up to 10,000 nuts each year, giving them the ultimate secret stash.
Gray squirrels have remarkable memories and can remember thousands of hiding
places. It's like having a natural GPS for every acorn they've ever tucked
away. This brings me to fact two: Fact Two: Accidental Gardeners. Did you
know that squirrels are one of nature's most important gardeners? When they bury their
stash of nuts they're actually planting trees. Of the thousands of nuts they bury each year,
many go unclaimed. Whether the nuts are truly forgotten by squirrels or simply abandoned
in favor of more easily accessible options, squirrels inadvertently plant thousands of trees
and play a crucial role in forest regeneration. Fact Three: Party Crashers. Did you know that gray
squirrels are notorious for their party-crashing antics? These fluffy-tailed creatures have a knack
for showing up uninvited to backyard gatherings, especially if there's a bird feeder involved.
But here's the twist: their acrobatic attempts to raid bird feeders have inspired a whole genre
of “squirrel-proof” feeders, leading to an ongoing battle of wits between humans and squirrels. If
you're a backyard birder like I am, let me know in the comments if this is an issue that you
deal with and what you do about it. Personally, I just embrace the squirrels. The lengths to
which squirrels will go to snag a snack are both impressive and hilarious, making them the ultimate
party crashers. Fact Four: The Social Network. Squirrels have a complex social structure.
They use a variety of vocalizations and tail signals to communicate in their own
version of a social network. A flick of the tail can mean anything from “Hey,
there’s food over here!” to “Back off, this acorn is mine!” From warning
others of danger to social bonding, these creatures have a rich language all their own
just listen to this squirrel: [Squirrel sounds] So, next time you see a squirrel
waving its tail, remember, it's not just a quirky dance move; it's a
post going viral in the squirrel community. Fact Five: The Greatest Show. Gray squirrels are natural acrobats. They can
leap up to 10 times their body length with Incredible ease, and spring up directly from
the ground 4 ft or higher. Their ankles are double-jointed and can rotate 180° to face any
direction while climbing. This fancy footwork, coupled with their strong claws, makes them
one of very few mammals that can descend a tree head-first. Cirque du Squirrel
anyone? Fact Six: The Great Pretenders. Gray squirrels are masters of deception. To throw
off potential thieves, like crows and other birds, squirrels will pretend to bury a nut, complete
with patting down the non-existent holes, while actually concealing the food in their
mouths. Oscar-worthy performance, right? If you're enjoying these cute squirrel
antics and want to experience more of nature's relaxing beauty and delightful
wonders subscribe to Naturally Courtney. It really helps support my channel and
ensures you won't miss my next video. Fact Seven: Go, Speed Racer! Gray squirrels
can run up to 20 mph and are able to take off at a moment's notice. That's faster than most
humans can Sprint, unless you're Usain Bolt of course. But speed isn't all they have going for
themselves, take a look at those feet. Their claws are perfectly designed for gripping, enabling
them to make sharp turns and sudden stops, even when sprinting at full speed. Maybe
they're training for the Squirrel Olympics? [Music] Fact Eight: Fluffy Fashion. [Music] Ever wonder
why gray squirrels have such fluffy tails? Well, they're not just for looks—those tails
are multitasking marvels! In the winter, they serve as cozy blankets, keeping
squirrels warm during their naps. But that's not all—these tails are also
communication tools, mood indicators, and even parachutes! Yes, you heard that
right. When leaping from tree to tree, a squirrel's tail helps it balance and steer,
and in case of a fall, acts like a parachute to slow down the descent. So, the next time you
see a squirrel's tail fluffing up or twitching, remember, it's not just a fashion statement;
it's the Swiss Army knife of the animal kingdom. Fact Nine: And the Teeth Grow On. A
squirrel's teeth never stop growing. Gray squirrels’ teeth grow about 6 inches each
year. To keep them at a reasonable length, squirrels gnaw on just about anything
they can get their paws on. So, if your patio table is missing
a leg, you know who to blame. Fact 10: A Nutty Diet While squirrels love nuts and seeds, they
aren't picky eaters. Gray squirrels will munch on mushrooms, berries, buds, tree
bark, and much more. And since they are generally not shy about living close to
humans and going through their leftovers, squirrels have even been known to unfortunately
indulge in some less-than-healthy options like candy bars and the occasional pizza
slice. Talk about a diverse palate! [Music] Thank you for joining me. Don't forget to
like, share, and subscribe to Naturally Courtney for more relaxing nature
videos. Until next time, take care.
