The Squirrel Squad: Who Runs the Nut Show in Michigan?
Ever been in a Michigan park and felt like you're being watched by a dozen beady eyes? Chances are, it's not the ghosts of disgruntled lumberjacks (although that would be a story for another day). It's more likely our bushy-tailed overlords, the squirrels! But with so many frantically burying acorns and leaping between branches, you might wonder: just which squirrels are running the nut show in Michigan?
The Usual Suspects: A Guide to Michigan's Tree-Dwelling Tenants
Michigan boasts a six-pack of resident squirrel species, each with their own fluffy personalities:
- Eastern Gray Squirrels (and their Black Morph Cousins): These acrobatic charmers are the most common squirrel in Michigan. They're the ones with the impressive balancing act on power lines and the "look at me burying this acorn in the middle of the sidewalk" routine. Fun fact: Black squirrels aren't a separate species, but a melanistic version of the Eastern Gray! Genetics are wild, man.
- Fox Squirrels: These rusty-red Robin Hoods are the biggest squirrels in Michigan, rocking a luxurious bushy tail. They're a bit less common than the Easter Grays, but just as entertaining to watch as they bury fist-sized nuts for later.
- Red Squirrels: The fiery squirrels of the north! These feisty little guys are much smaller than the others, with a reddish-brown coat and a serious attitude. They're more likely to be found in conifer forests, chattering away and aggressively defending their territory.
Thinking about adding a squirrel to your backyard crew? Hold on there, Roy Rogers. While these guys are adorable, they're wild animals and not exactly cuddly house pets.
The Night Shift: Michigan's Gliding Gangsters
While the tree squirrels are busy causing daytime chaos, Michigan also has a secret society of nocturnal nut ninjas:
- Southern Flying Squirrels: These adorable little ninjas have a furry "membrane" that allows them to glide between trees. Imagine a squirrel with a built-in hang glider – pretty cool, right? They're most common in the southern Lower Peninsula.
- Northern Flying Squirrels: These guys are similar to their southern cousins, but prefer the colder climes of the Upper and northern Lower Peninsulas.
Pro Tip: You might catch a glimpse of a flying squirrel if you head out at dusk and keep your eyes peeled for their impressive gliding skills.
FAQ: Becoming a Squirrel Whisperer (Not Recommended)
While befriending a squirrel might seem like a fun idea, it's best to admire them from afar. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions, just in case:
- How to Identify a Michigan Squirrel? Take a good look at their size, color, and tail. Eastern Grays are common and gray (with a possible black morph), Fox Squirrels are rusty-red and big, and Red Squirrels are small and reddish-brown.
- How to Attract Squirrels to My Yard? Put out a feeder with nuts and seeds, but be prepared for them to become regulars (and possibly raid your bird feeder too).
- How to Get Squirrels Out of My Attic? This is a job for a professional. Squirrels can cause damage in your home, so call wildlife control if they've taken up residence in your roof.
- How to Train a Squirrel? Not gonna happen. Squirrels are wild animals and not meant to be pets.
- How to Enjoy Watching Squirrels? Grab a cup of coffee, sit by a window, and be amazed by their acrobatics, nut-burying skills, and general bushy-tailed chaos. Michigan's squirrels are a source of endless entertainment, even if they do drive you nuts (pun intended) sometimes.
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