The Squirrel Squad of Pennsylvania: Acorn Aficionados and Nutty Neighbors
Ah, Pennsylvania. Land of liberty bells, cheesesteaks, and...squirrels? You betcha! Those fluffy-tailed bandits are more than just a park nuisance, my friends. They're an essential part of the Keystone State's ecosystem, and let me tell you, Pennsylvania has a whole SQUAD of these furry friends.
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| What Kind Of Squirrels Are In Pennsylvania |
The OG: The Eastern Gray Squirrel
This is the squirrel you probably picture when you think of Pennsylvania. Silver-gray coat, bushy tail, a smug grin as they steal your picnic peanuts. These acrobatic athletes are the most common squirrel in the state, and they're pretty darn good at finding hidden stashes of acorns (though maybe not as good at remembering where they buried them). Fun fact: Black squirrels aren't a separate species, they're just melanistic gray squirrels – basically, goth grays!
The Big Kahuna: The Eastern Fox Squirrel
Looking for a squirrel who skipped leg day? Look no further than the Eastern Fox Squirrel. These chunky fellas are the biggest squirrels in Pennsylvania, with a rusty-red coat and a tail that could rival a feather duster. They're less common than grays, but if you see one, you'll definitely know it.
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The Ginger Ninja: The Red Squirrel
Short, feisty, and with a fiery red coat, the Red Squirrel is the resident karate kid of the Pennsylvania squirrel scene. These scrappy squirrels are territorial and will chase away anything they see as a threat, including (believe it or not) even those much larger fox squirrels. They're also the chattiest of the bunch, with a variety of chirps, chatters, and barks to express their displeasure at your presence near their pinecone stash.
The Night Shift: The Southern Flying Squirrel and the Northern Flying Squirrel
Think squirrels are all about daylight nut collecting? Think again! Pennsylvania has two species of flying squirrels, nocturnal daredevils who glide through the night on furry membranes. They're not actually flying, more like parachuting, but it's still a pretty impressive feat. The Southern Flying Squirrel is smaller and more common, while the Northern Flying Squirrel is a bit bigger and prefers colder climates.
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So, You've Encountered a Pennsylvania Squirrel... Now What?
These curious critters are interesting to watch, but sometimes they can be a nuisance. If a squirrel decides your attic is prime real estate, don't despair! Here are some helpful tips:
- Squirrel-proof your home: Seal up any holes they might use to get in.
- Remove attractants: Keep bird feeders out of reach and clean up any spilled food.
- Evict politely (if possible): There are humane ways to encourage them to leave, like using exclusion traps.
Remember: Squirrels are wild animals and should be treated with respect.
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FAQ: Pennsylvania Squirrels and You!
How to identify a Pennsylvania squirrel? Look at their size, color, and tail. Eastern Gray Squirrels are silver-gray, Fox Squirrels are rusty-red and bigger, Red Squirrels are small and fiery red, and Flying Squirrels are smaller with furry membranes along their sides.
How to keep squirrels out of my bird feeder? Hang your feeder away from trees or branches they can use to jump to it. Squirrel-proof feeders are also available.
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How to get a squirrel out of my attic? Set a humane exclusion trap and release the squirrel far away from your home.
Do squirrels hibernate in Pennsylvania? Yes, they become less active in the winter but don't truly hibernate. They'll still come out on warmer days to forage for food.
Are squirrels dangerous? While they can scratch or bite if cornered, they're generally not aggressive. However, they can carry diseases, so it's best not to handle them.
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