How Squirrels Protect Themselves from Predators

Squirrels are a lively bunch. Like all species of squirrels, they are known for their pleasant characteristics. They are fun to watch as they scurry about seeking and burying their precious nuts and seeds. But how do these upbeat and fun-loving foragers secure their safety especially when confronted by danger? In fact, quite often, the squirrel removal requests from Oshawa properties arise from situations in which the foragers are seeking refuge from danger. Let’s learn more about how squirrels protect themselves from predators.

Squirrel Predators

Squirrels must constantly be on guard against dangers that they face from various sources. But who would want to harm such beautiful wildlife animals you may ask? Well, the natural enemies of squirrels include; coyotes, raccoons and weasels. As if that weren’t enough, squirrels also have to be on the lookout for predatory birds like eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls who will try to swoop down and grab them for a meal. To make matters worse, squirrels who find themselves in urban areas are exposed to attacks from domesticated pets such as cats and dogs. Human behaviour also negatively affects squirrels. These include vehicular traffic (many poor squirrels get run over in streets) and the use of harmful control methods.

Safety and Defensive Tactics Among Squirrels

Squirrels rank pretty high on the scale of nature’s most peaceful and friendly inhabitants, but they will respond instinctively to protect themselves when necessary.  One of their defensive tactics is the use of the alarm call, designed to let the predator know it’s been seen by the squirrel and to warn nearby squirrels of the looming threat. This is enough to ward off some predators like cats who prefer to pounce when they have the element of surprise. In order to remain undetected by predators, squirrels activate their innate camouflaging instincts. They blend into the surrounding space by capitalizing on similar features. The flying squirrel does this by moving about under the shadow of the night but other squirrels may carry out tactics such as standing very still against the trunks of trees so that onlookers cannot tell the difference between their bodies and the tree. Even though squirrels are typically pretty friendly or skittish even, they can be aggressive, especially when they are rabid. In offensive mode, squirrels may make aggressive sounds or scratch at their perceived threat. If you spot a squirrel behaving oddly (especially aggressively) keep your distance and get in touch with a professional animal control service immediately. The squirrel may be rabid or nursing a young litter. A squirrel with a new litter is, like all other maternal wildlife, quite aggressive in defence of her babies. They will also attempt to look bigger by standing upright and stretching their tails high. But the flight instinct is the one that is most likely to kick in when a squirrel feels threatened. They are more likely to seek refuge than to fight back and this is how they end up in buildings occupied by people. And, being naturally gifted with super speed, they are experts at fleeing. A squirrel will confuse and elude a predator by moving swiftly from one location to the next (and occasionally feigning movements). But the flight instinct is the one that is most likely to kick in when a squirrel feels threatened. They are more likely to seek refuge than to fight back and this is how they end up in buildings occupied by people. And, being naturally gifted with super speed,  they are experts at fleeing. A squirrel will confuse and elude a predator by moving swiftly from one location to the next (and occasionally feigning movements).

Expert Intervention for Squirrels’ Issues

Since squirrels can pass on potentially deadly illnesses to you, your pets or your family (through bites or scratches for example) you should always get help promptly when they find themselves on your property. When squirrels intrude on your property in Oshawa, expert and humane wildlife control intervention is the ideal solution. You need a thorough service that will result in the total removal of all squirrels from your property and the application of methods that will keep them out and this is precisely the service that Skedaddle offers. With effective professional squirrel removal from trained and experienced wildlife technicians like those at Skedaddle, your property can be restored to its wildlife free status.