Moreholidays January Squirrel Appreciation Day

                           

Squirrel Appreciation Day

Squirrel Appreciation Day

About Squirrel Appreciation Day

When is Squirrel Appreciation Day? This holiday is always observed on January 21

Squirrel Appreciation Day is an opportunity to enjoy and appreciate your tree-climbing, nut-gathering neighborhood squirrels. This January 21 holiday is 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.

Not everyone likes squirrels. While they are fun to watch skirting around the yard and trees, they are aggressive at 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. Gardeners consider them a pest, as they dig up and steal flower bulbs, and may eat some of the veggies in your garden.   

When you think about it, mid-winter is the best time to appreciate squirrels. In the winter they provide a little entertainment. Even gardeners may like them on a cold winter’s day when they are not feeding upon flower and vegetable gardens.

According to Christy Hargrove, the founder, “Celebration of the event itself is up to the individual or group — anything from putting out extra food for the squirrels to learning something new about the species.”

Feeding Backyard Squirrels

Squirrels are vegetarians.  They eat a variety of items, including:

  • Nuts
  • Bird seed
  • Sunflowers
  • Some fruits
Squirrel Appreciation

How to Enjoy Squirrel Appreciation Day

  • Feed your backyard squirrels.
  • Go to a local park and feed them.
  • Take pictures of them.
  • Grade schoolteachers can have the children draw pictures of squirrels in art class.

Today's Quote

Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it into a fruit salad.

History and Origin of Squirrel Appreciation Day

Christy Hargrove from Asheville, North Carolina started Squirrel Appreciation Day on January 21, 2001. Christy is a wildlife rehabilitator in North Carolina and is affiliated with the Western North Carolina Nature Center.

There are some recent references to this as a “National” day. When she created this day, Christy Hargrove did not include the word “National” in the title. And, none of the oldest records had the word “national” in the title. We suspect someone arbitrarily added the word “National” around 2107 – 2018. We also did not find any congressional records or presidential proclamations for this day.

Definition of “National” Days – and why it is important to distinguish true National days.



Related Information

Not everyone likes squirrels. If you consider them a pest, the following link is for you:

Backyard Birds – feeding and watching them.

Squirrel Control ideas from The Gardener’s Network

More January 21 Holidays

Here is another January 21 holiday we are sure you will enjoy:

National Hugging Day  

More About Today

This Day in History

Famous January Birthdays

Flower of the Day: Shasta Daisy

Recipe of the Day: Spinach and Mushroom Salad

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