Mom loves unusual holidays and this one is so unique cuz the bean who started it lives near us! Christy Hargrove from Asheville, North Carolina started Squirrel Appreciation Day on January 21, 2001. Christy is a wildlife rehabilitator in North Carolina, and is is affiliated with the Western North Carolina Nature Center.
Squirrel Appreciation Day is an opportunity to enjoy and appreciate your tree climbing, nut gathering neighborhood squirrels. It's held in mid-winter when food sources are scarce for squirrels and other wildlife. Sure, squirrels spent all fall gathering and "squirreling " away food. But, their supplies may not be enough. And, the variety of food is limited. So, give them an extra special treat today to supplement their winter diets.
This is a white albino squirrel found in several places in the mountains here. Read more about them on Mom's other blog.
We have to agree not everyone likes squirrels. While they are fun to watch they can mess up our bird feeders. Squirrels tip almost any bird feeder and spill the seeds in search of the particular seeds they want. In the fall, they attack pumpkins on front porches in search of the seeds inside. For gardeners they dig up and steal flower bulbs, and may eat some of the veggies in your garden.
Two Spot is busy watching the squirrels outside - wishing them Happy Squirrel Day!
When you think about it, mid winter is the best time to appreciate squirrels. In the winter they provide a little entertainment. We love to sit and watch them try to figure out how to get at the feeders. The rest of the year we can try to keep them away from all the feeders and delicious garden foods. So be nice to your squirrels today!
Snowball keeping an eye out for the white squirrel!
Info from Holiday Insights!
