The Squirrel Squad of H-Town: A Guide to Houston's Nutty Residents
Ah, Houston, Texas. The land of scorching summers, epic rodeos, and...squirrels? You betcha! But these ain't your average park-bench-peanut-munching kind of squirrels. No sir, the Houston squirrel scene is a whole other ball game (pun intended...because they love acorns...you get it).
So, grab a cold Shiner Bock (or your beverage of choice) and settle in, because we're about to crack open the world of H-Town's resident nutcases (again, pun intended).
The OG's: Eastern Gray and Fox Squirrels
These two grey-coated gangsters are the most common squirrels you'll see dashing across streets and parks. They're basically the squirrels you pictured when you heard "squirrel."
- Eastern Gray Squirrelly McScurrelface: These agile athletes are like tiny grey ninjas, leaping from branch to branch with parkour-worthy skills. They're the flashier of the two, sporting a sassy white belly and a bushy tail that could rival a cheerleader's pom-pom.
- Eastern Fox Squirrel: The Chill Out Cousin: This larger squirrel is more laid-back than his grey counterpart. He's got a rusty-reddish coat and a less impressive (but still functional) tail. Think of him as the surfer dude of the squirrel world, always catching some rays and munching on acorns.
Bonus Fun Fact: Both these squirrels are masters of stashing away nuts for winter. They've probably hidden more acorns than some folks have retirement savings!
The Shadow Warriors: Southern Flying Squirrels
Now here's where things get interesting. Forget your boring, earth-bound squirrels. Houston has flying squirrels! Yes, you read that right. These nocturnal critters have a furry flap between their front and back legs that allows them to glide from tree to tree like furry little skydivers (adorable, not terrifying).
- Southern Flying Squirrel: The Night Shift Ninjas: These stealthy squirrels are active at night, so you're less likely to see them zipping around. But if you're out stargazing and hear a soft "pitter-patter," it might just be a flying squirrel soaring through the darkness.
Pro Tip: While they may look cute and cuddly, flying squirrels are wild animals and not exactly cuddly house pets.
So, there you have it, folks!
The next time you're in Houston and see a squirrel darting by, you'll know exactly who you're dealing with. Whether it's a parkour-pro Eastern Gray, a chill Fox Squirrel, or a shadow-dwelling flying squirrel, these furry residents add a touch of wildlife charm (and maybe some chewed-up wires) to the H-Town experience.
