National Squirrel Appreciation Day
Go nuts for squirrels! January 21st celebrates these bushy-tailed backyard acrobats. Squirrels play important roles in forest ecosystems by planting trees - they forget where they bury many acorns!
About National Squirrel Appreciation Day
Go nuts for squirrels! January 21st celebrates these bushy-tailed backyard acrobats. Squirrels play important roles in forest ecosystems by planting trees - they forget where they bury many acorns!
History & origins
National Squirrel Appreciation Day is an unofficial observance created in 2001 by wildlife rehabilitator Christy Hargrove, who was affiliated with the North Carolina Nature Center in Asheville, North Carolina. It was intended to encourage people to notice squirrels’ role in nature and to share a little extra food for them in winter. The day remains a playful, informal wildlife appreciation observance rather than a formal holiday.
Why it matters
Squirrels do real ecological work by dispersing seeds and helping trees regenerate when they forget cached nuts. The observance also gives people a simple way to connect with urban and backyard wildlife, which can boost interest in local nature and conservation. It is especially relevant in winter, when people are more likely to notice how animals adapt to scarce food.
How to celebrate
Put out nuts for squirrels (unsalted!). Watch squirrel antics in your yard. Learn about different squirrel species. Share squirrel photos. Plant oak trees for future squirrel generations.
Facts
- Squirrels plant thousands of trees by forgetting where they buried nuts
- They can fall from any height without getting hurt
- Squirrels can rotate their ankles 180 degrees
- Baby squirrels are called kittens or pups
- There are over 200 species of squirrels worldwide
Frequently asked questions
When is National Squirrel Appreciation Day in 2026?
National Squirrel Appreciation Day in 2026 is on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
What is National Squirrel Appreciation Day?
It is an informal day that celebrates squirrels and their ecological role. People use it to learn about squirrel species, watch wildlife, and appreciate backyard nature.
Who started National Squirrel Appreciation Day?
It was started by Christy Hargrove in 2001. She is a wildlife rehabilitator from North Carolina.
How do you celebrate National Squirrel Appreciation Day?
You can watch squirrels, share photos, or leave out appropriate unsalted nuts and seeds in a safe way. Planting native trees, like oaks, is another meaningful option because it supports wildlife habitat.
Is National Squirrel Appreciation Day an official holiday?
No, it is an unofficial observance. It was created as a fun wildlife appreciation day rather than a government holiday.
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