National Squirrel Appreciation Day is an annual celebration dedicated to recognizing and appreciating these furry, acrobatic creatures that play a vital role in our ecosystem. It’s a day to learn about, observe, and show kindness to our bushy-tailed neighbors.
Quick Facts
When is it: January 21st annually
Tagged as: Wildlife appreciation day
What’s the hashtag: #SquirrelAppreciationDay
When was it founded: 2001
Who founded it: Christy Hargrove, wildlife rehabilitator from North Carolina Nature Center
History
The day was established to encourage people to be kind to squirrels by providing food and water, while also learning more about these fascinating creatures. What started as a small initiative has grown into an internationally recognized day, celebrating the role of squirrels in forest regeneration and urban ecosystems.
Timeline
- 1847: First documented introduction of squirrels in Philadelphia’s Franklin Square
- 1850: Boston and New Haven follow suit with squirrel introduction
- 1870s: Large-scale introduction of squirrels in major city parks
- 2001: First official Squirrel Appreciation Day celebration
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January 21 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | January 21 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | January 21 | Thursday |
| 2028 | January 21 | Friday |
| 2029 | January 21 | Sunday |
| 2030 | January 21 | Monday |
How It’s Observed
People celebrate by putting out extra food for squirrels, visiting parks to observe them, learning about different species, and participating in squirrel-watching activities. Some communities organize special events and educational programs about squirrel conservation.
Fun Facts About Squirrels
- There are over 280 species of squirrels worldwide
- They’re found on all continents except Australia and Antarctica
- Squirrels can swim up to two kilometers
- They perform fake nut burials to fool onlookers
- The Indian giant squirrel can reach 90 centimeters in length
Quiz
- Who founded Squirrel Appreciation Day?
- How many species of squirrels exist?
- On which continents are squirrels not found?
- What year was the first squirrel introduced to American cities?
-(Answers: 1. Christy Hargrove 2. Over 280 3. Australia and Antarctica 4. 1847)
FAQs
Q: Why do we need a Squirrel Appreciation Day?
A: To recognize squirrels’ role in ecosystem maintenance and forest regeneration.
Q: Do squirrels remember where they bury their nuts?
A: Yes, they use a combination of memory, visual cues, and smell to find their stashes.
Related
- Wildlife Conservation Day
- Earth Day
- National Bird Day
- International Day of Forests
- World Animal Day