Squirrels: Friendly Neighbors or Territorial Pests?

In many regions throughout North America, squirrels are ubiquitous. Whether you live near a major city or in a rural area, you usually don't have to go very far to find one of these hyper little critters. While they can be amusing to watch, squirrels are not always as chipper as they seem. In fact, there may be a time when the squirrel problem on your property necessitates help from professionals who specialize in squirrel control Madison. 

Are Squirrels Aggressive?

Multiple common species of squirrels live throughout North America. Each species differs slightly in its intra- and interspecific interactions. A common reason that some squirrels show aggressive behavior is territorialism. Two species known for being territorial are California Ground and American Red squirrels. The main rationale for this behavior is the fact that they generally live within a small area where they store food or expend energy building elaborate homes. Thus, they must protect their space from other squirrels who threaten it and their valuable resources. Squirrels who are more nomadic and continuously gather food, therefore, do not exhibit this behavior. Many squirrels also become aggressive when protecting their offspring. Flying squirrels, for instance, may fight to defend the best spots for nesting. Even the most nonaggressive species, such as Fox and Grey squirrels, also guard their nests in this way. Finally, there are times when squirrels seem to be acting aggressively when there is actually another explanation for their behavior. For one, baby squirrels may play fight with one another early in life. Additionally, some male squirrels will run after females to find a mate in the spring. 

Can They Ever Coexist With Other Squirrels?

To give squirrels credit where credit is due, they can sometimes cooperate well with one another. A strong example is the California Ground squirrel which lives in underground colonies during the winter to preserve heat. They can even fight off snakes by functioning as a team. Another situation in which squirrels form mutually beneficial communities can be seen in flying squirrels. Female Flying squirrels, though they often defend nesting spots when scarce, are willing to share areas when there is plenty of room. Thus, multiple females may live side by side caring for their young.

Are They Dangerous To Humans?

Despite their small, seemingly harmless size, squirrels can pose certain dangers to humans. For one, aggressive squirrels may scratch or bite you if you somehow threaten their territory. This raises the possibility of receiving an infection from the animal, as squirrels sometimes carry diseases that can be very serious in humans. Tularaemia, typhus and ringworm can all be passed from squirrel to human.  Though it may not represent an immediate danger, squirrels have also been known to build their nests in and around houses. Attics, for instance, are a desirable nest-building location. If squirrels live in these areas, some of your possessions may be damaged. To make matters worse, urine and feces may accumulate, leading to serious sanitation and health concerns.

When Do Squirrels on Your Property Become a Problem?

Having a few squirrels running around your backyard is likely no cause for concern, but there may come a time when the squirrel population near your home needs to be addressed. Namely, if squirrels begin behaving aggressively towards you or start building nests in or around your house, it is best to call in professional help. Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control has highly experienced squirrel control Madison specialists who can remove and relocate squirrels without harming them. We can also take measures to ensure no unwanted critters make their way into your attic or other areas of your home. Contact us today to get your squirrel problem under control.