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Celebrate National Squirrel Appreciation Day with a special treat for your backyard friends - show them some love and appreciation!
January 21 is National Squirrel Appreciation Day, a day to show love and appreciation for the furry critters that inhabit our parks and backyards! This holiday was created in 2001 by Christy Hargrove, who wanted to raise awareness of the importance of squirrels in our environment. From collecting nuts for food during winter months to providing entertainment with their acrobatic antics, there's no denying these little creatures are an integral part of nature.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Squirrels Introduced to Parks</div><div class='timeline-text'>In the mid-1800s, squirrels were intentionally introduced to urban parks to "beautify and add interest" to the green spaces.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1945</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Squirrel as Mascot</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Michigan State University selected a squirrel as their mascot for interscholastic activities.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1968</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Squirrel Population Study</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Pennsylvania began a 45-year-long squirrel population study, one of the longest of its kind.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1987</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Flying Squirrel Discovered</div><div class='timeline-text'>Scientists discovered a new species of flying squirrel in the Pacific Northwest, later named the Humboldt's flying squirrel.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2001</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Squirrel Appreciation Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>Wildlife rehabilitator Christy Hargrove officially declares January 21 as National Squirrel Appreciation Day.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2012</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>White Squirrel Documentary</div><div class='timeline-text'>BBC released a documentary focusing on a rare white squirrel population in the UK, further raising interest and awareness in squirrels.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Feed the squirrels</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some nuts and seeds to your local park and let the squirrels have a feast. Make sure to keep a safe distance so they don't feel threatened.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Make a squirrel craft</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get creative and make your own squirrel out of paper, clay, or fabric. You can even use other materials like twigs, leaves, feathers, and even natural objects like stones and shells.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Put up a bird feeder</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Put up a bird feeder in an area with lots of trees to attract squirrels from miles around. Not only will it bring in beautiful birds but also the ever curious squirrels!</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a movie about squirrels</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Rent or stream a movie that features our furry friends. "Over the Hedge" is a great option for kids and adults alike.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Take pictures of squirrels</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Head outside and take pictures of squirrels doing their thing. They're always full of energy so you'll be sure to get some great shots!</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Squirrels play an important role in the ecosystem</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Squirrels are not just cute and fluffy, they are also crucial to the health of our environment. They help with seed dispersal and are an important food source for other animals. National Squirrel Appreciation Day reminds us to recognize and value their role in our ecosystem.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Squirrels are fascinating creatures</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>From their acrobatic abilities to their unique behaviors, squirrels are truly fascinating animals. National Squirrel Appreciation Day encourages us to learn more about these creatures and appreciate their intelligence and adaptability.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Squirrels bring joy and entertainment</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Watching squirrels play and interact with each other can bring a smile to anyone's face. National Squirrel Appreciation Day is a reminder to slow down and appreciate the simple moments of joy that these curious and playful creatures bring us.</p></div></div>
National Squirrel Appreciation Day is celebrated on January 21 every year. In 2024 National Squirrel Appreciation Day will occur on a Sunday.
2023
Jan 21
Saturday
2024
Jan 21
Sunday
2025
Jan 21
Tuesday
2026
Jan 21
Wednesday
2027
Jan 21
Thursday
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