So You Think You've Seen a Squirrel in Austin? Buckle Up, Buttercup, It's Probably a Fox Squirrel!
Ah, Austin. Live music, breakfast tacos, and...squirrels? You betcha! But these ain't your grandma's backyard bush bandits. No, sir (or madam), the squirrels that call the "Live Music Capital of the World" home are a whole different breed – well, one breed really, but you get the idea.
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| What Kind Of Squirrels Live In Austin |
The Reigning Rodent: The Fox Squirrel
Forget the fuzzy grey fellas you see darting around in parks back north. Austin's crown jewel of the squirrel kingdom is the magnificent fox squirrel. These rusty-red Romeos (and Juliets) are the biggest tree squirrels in central Texas, rocking a luxurious, bushy tail that would make a cheerleader jealous.
Fun fact: A group of squirrels is called a dray. So next time you see a bunch of these bushy-tailed bandits, you can impress your friends with this little nugget of knowledge.
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Fox squirrels are masters of adaptation. They love open woodlands with plenty of mature trees for shade and hiding acorns (their favorite food!), but they're also happy to take up residence in Austin's many parks and backyards. These resourceful critters have figured out that city life ain't so bad – overflowing trash cans and bird feeders practically scream "all-you-can-eat buffet" to a hungry squirrel.
Warning: While watching a fox squirrel gather nuts for winter is undeniably cute, don't be fooled by their adorable antics. These clever creatures can be little Houdinis when it comes to getting into your house or attic. So keep your bird feeders squirrel-proof and those attic vents sealed tight!
Tip: Reread the opening if you feel lost.
But Wait, Are There Other Squirrels in Austin?
While the fox squirrel reigns supreme, there's a slight chance you might encounter a couple of other squirrelly characters:
Eastern Cottontail Rabbit... I Mean, Squirrel? No, folks, this isn't a case of mistaken identity. There have been rare sightings of eastern cottontail rabbits venturing into squirrel territory. But trust us, those long ears and cottontail fluff will give them away.
The Elusive Flying Squirrel: These nocturnal ninjas are much less common than fox squirrels. They're smaller, have big eyes, and sport a furry flap of skin that allows them to glide between trees. But if you see one flitting through the twilight sky, consider yourself lucky!
FAQ: So You've Encountered an Austin Squirrel
How to Avoid a Squirrel Showdown: Respect their space and avoid leaving out easy food sources like birdseed or open trash cans.
QuickTip: Check if a section answers your question.
How to Tell a Fox Squirrel from a Regular Squirrel: Look for the rusty-red fur and bushy tail. Regular squirrels tend to be grey or brown with a less impressive tail situation.
How to Outsmart a Persistent Squirrel: Squirrel-proof your bird feeders and seal up any potential entry points into your house or attic.
QuickTip: Stop to think as you go.
How to Make Friends with a Squirrel: While not recommended, offering them unsalted peanuts might earn you a tentative truce. But remember, they're wild animals, not furry BFFs.
How to Enjoy Watching Squirrels: Grab a cup of coffee, sit on your porch, and be amazed by their acrobatics and resourcefulness. They're nature's little comedians, after all!
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