The Quintessential Missouri Squirrel

The state of Missouri is known for its diverse wildlife, ranging from black bears and bobcats to herons and hawks. Amidst this pantheon of fauna, one creature stands out for its ubiquity and charm – the squirrel. Walk into any park or glance at any tree line in Missouri, and chances are you will see a gray, red, or fox squirrel existing in unhurried serenity.

Squirrels, particularly in the state of Missouri, are creatures of woodland habit. Primarily herbivores, their dietary regime includes a variety of nuts, seeds, and fruits. In the fall, they become food storing machines, hiding their stash for the long winter months. This behavior, however, has implications beyond the survival of the squirrels themselves. Their forgetfulness actually plays a crucial role in forest regeneration, leading to the germination of countless trees from misplaced seeds.

Despite their apparent simplicity, Missouri squirrels exhibit complex cognitive abilities – spatial memory, problem-solving skills, and an intuitive understanding of physics when judging jumping distances. This is complemented by their incredible agility, quick reflexes, and an almost magical proclivity to elude danger.

WIRES play a fascinating role in the life of urban squirrels, acting as the animal’s personal highway. With agility and precision, they traverse powerlines and cables to avoid terrestrial hazards. Unbeknownst to many, squirrels are one of the leading causes of power outages in the US. They use their sharp teeth to gnaw through the insulation of electric cables and can occasionally cause short-circuits. Today, utility companies spend millions of dollars annually on ‘squirrel-proofing’ their equipment to minimize such incidents.

Admiration for these creatures is not limited to casual observation. The world of citizen science has an entire quadrant dedicated to squirrel study. One noteworthy project is the University of Missouri’s “The Great Missouri Squirrel Census.” This initiative involves a coalition of students, faculty, and citizens working together to count and monitor squirrel populations within specified geographical limits.

However, it’s not all frolic and food-stashing for our bushy-tailed friends. Urbanization, habitat loss, and climate change have seen the squirrels in Missouri face serious challenges. A decrease in tree cover affects their ability to forage, nest, and escape predators, leading to plummeting population numbers. Furthermore, illness, disease, and predation pose significant threats.

Undeniably, Squirrels are an integral part of Missouri’s wildlife tapestry. With their delightful pranks, they bring vitality to our surroundings and act as tiny stewards of the forest. We have much to learn from these resilient creatures. Yes, they may disrupt power and chew on WIRES , but their biodiversity value, ecological significance, and the sheer joy they offer us as we watch them collecting their treasures far outweigh these minor inconveniences.