National Squirrel Appreciation Day is celebrated on January 21 each year. It honors squirrels, the bushy-tailed rodents found in parks, forests and backyards across America. Squirrels are skilled climbers and acrobats, and their habit of burying nuts helps plant new trees. In the middle of winter, when food is scarce, the day is a good time to appreciate these busy animals.
History of National Squirrel Appreciation Day
Squirrel Appreciation Day was created in 2001 by Christy Hargrove, a wildlife rehabilitator in North Carolina. She chose midwinter, when squirrels may struggle to find food, and encouraged people to learn about and appreciate them.
Squirrels belong to a large family that includes tree squirrels, ground squirrels, chipmunks, marmots and prairie dogs, with more than 280 species worldwide. In the United States, the eastern gray squirrel, fox squirrel and red squirrel are common, along with flying squirrels, which glide between trees using flaps of skin.
Many tree squirrels are 'scatter hoarders', burying nuts in hundreds of locations. They rely on memory and smell to find them, but they don't recover them all. The forgotten nuts can sprout into new trees, which is why squirrels are considered important to forest regeneration.
Why National Squirrel Appreciation Day Matters
Squirrels play an important role in ecosystems by spreading seeds and helping forests grow.
They are among the easiest wild animals to observe, making them a great introduction to wildlife for children and adults.
Squirrel watching is also entertaining: their clever problem-solving and acrobatics are a reminder of how adaptable wildlife can be.
Squirrels can also teach patience and observation skills. Watching how they test branches, plan jumps and outsmart bird feeders shows impressive problem-solving. For backyard bird lovers, squirrel-proof feeders and separate squirrel feeding stations can help everyone share the yard peacefully, without harming these clever and determined animals.
How to Celebrate National Squirrel Appreciation Day
- Watch squirrels: observe them at a park or backyard.
- Offer natural food: put out unsalted nuts in moderation.
- Plant trees: grow oaks or nut trees for future food.
- Learn species: identify gray, fox, red and flying squirrels.
- Support rehabbers: donate to a wildlife rehabilitation center.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, share squirrel photos or videos from around the office or neighborhood. In classrooms, students can observe squirrels, track how many nuts they bury, or learn about scatter hoarding and seed dispersal. At home, families can watch squirrels from a window, set up a squirrel-friendly feeding spot or build an obstacle course to watch them solve problems. Don't hand-feed squirrels, and contact a wildlife rehabilitator if you find an injured one.
Fun Facts About National Squirrel Appreciation Day
- Christy Hargrove created Squirrel Appreciation Day in 2001.
- There are more than 280 squirrel species worldwide.
- Forgotten buried nuts can grow into new trees.
National Squirrel Appreciation Day FAQs
When is National Squirrel Appreciation Day?
National Squirrel Appreciation Day is celebrated on January 21 each year.
Who created Squirrel Appreciation Day?
Wildlife rehabilitator Christy Hargrove created it in 2001.
How many squirrel species are there?
There are more than 280 species in the squirrel family.
Do squirrels remember where they bury nuts?
They use memory and smell, but they don't recover every nut.
Do squirrels hibernate?
Tree squirrels don't hibernate, but some ground squirrels do.
Can flying squirrels fly?
They glide between trees using flaps of skin, rather than truly flying.