The Squirrel Showdown: Who Rules the Sooner State?
Oklahoma! Land of the wind, the wheat, and apparently, a surprisingly heated squirrel competition. If you're thinking about moving to Oklahoma (or maybe you're a longtime resident who just never noticed these fuzzy friends), you might be wondering: what kind of squirrels are scurrying around this great state? Well, buckle up, because we're about to crack open the nut on Oklahoma's resident rodents!
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| What Kind Of Squirrels Are In Oklahoma |
The Main Contenders: Eastern Fox Squirrel vs. Eastern Gray Squirrel
Oklahoma boasts two main types of squirrels: the eastern fox squirrel and the eastern gray squirrel. Now, these aren't your average park bench bandits. These guys are athletes, acrobats, and masters of nut hoarding. But let's break them down, mano a mano (or should we say, paw a paw?):
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The Eastern Fox Squirrel: Imagine a squirrel on steroids. That's the fox squirrel. This hefty dude (think one to three pounds!) is the biggest tree squirrel in North America, sporting a burnt orange or grizzled brown coat. They're kind of like the cool kid in the forest gym, ruling the roost across most of Oklahoma, except for the way-out-west panhandle.
The Eastern Gray Squirrel: Think classic, sleek squirrel. The gray squirrel's got a more modest build (around 1.5 pounds) and a sleek gray coat with a white belly. They're more of an eastern Oklahoma kinda critter, preferring denser forests with lots of undergrowth. Maybe they like their privacy?
Who Wins? It's a Draw!
Tip: Stop when confused — clarity comes with patience.
Honestly, both these squirrels bring their A-game to the Oklahoma ecosystem. Fox squirrels might be the show-offs, but grays are the stealthy survivors. They both love munching on acorns, hickory nuts, and basically anything else they can cram in their cheeks.
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Fun Fact: Squirrels and Us - An Unlikely Bromance
While these little guys might cause the occasional power outage by chewing on wires (hey, gotta respect their hustle!), they also play a vital role in spreading seeds and keeping forests healthy. Plus, let's be honest, watching them dart around and bury nuts is endlessly entertaining.
QuickTip: Pause at lists — they often summarize.
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So You've Spotted a Squirrel in Oklahoma. Now What?
Here's the important part: enjoy them! These furry friends are a delightful part of the Oklahoma landscape. Just remember, they're wild animals, so keep your distance and avoid feeding them (they'll find food just fine, thank you very much).
How To: Oklahoma Squirrel FAQs
How to identify a fox squirrel vs. a gray squirrel? Easy! Look at size and color. Fox squirrels are bigger and have a reddish-brown coat, while grays are smaller with a classic gray and white look.
How to attract squirrels to my yard? Plant nut-producing trees like oak and hickory! You can also set out a squirrel feeder with nuts and seeds (but be prepared to share with birds too).
How to keep squirrels out of my bird feeder? Special feeders with weight restrictions can help. Also, placing a baffle (like an upside-down cone) below the feeder makes it harder for squirrels to climb up.
How to get rid of squirrels in my attic? This one's best left to the professionals! Squirrels can be tricky to evict on your own. Wildlife removal companies can help you get them out safely.
How to make friends with a squirrel? This might be a long shot, but offering tasty nuts and keeping a safe distance is a good start. Remember, respect their wildness, and maybe you'll earn a twitch of their bushy tail (squirrel for "hey there, buddy").
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