| Sciuridae Sciurus carolinensis (eastern gray squirrel) Image Caption: One squirrel appears to swing at the other as though they are in a boxing match, but this is no serious fight. Along with many other mammals, squirrels also like to play, and the image is just a chance exposure taken during a six minute friendly wrestling session. I've seen two gray squirrels play by wrestling and chasing, and I've seen young gray squirrels play individually by running through the branches of a tree as to avoiding an unseen predator, jumping in place (also noted by Baarkalow & Shorten, 1973, p. 61) , and picking up objects to play with. Also, since young fox squirrels practice sexual behavior in play, gray squirrel probably do, too. Play may help a squirrel develop physical endurance, coordination, and bonds with other squirrels that will make them better able to evade predators, find mates, and navigate the trees effectively (Thorington & Ferrell, 2006, p. 55). |
Barkalow, F. S. & Shorten, M. (1973). The World of the Gray Squirrel. J. B. Lippincott Company, Philadelphia. Thorington Jr., R. W. & Ferrell, K. (2006). Squirrels: An Animal Answer Guide. John Hopkins: Baltimore. |
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Image Location: United States, Virginia,
Norfolk Image Date: 2008AUG18 Image Species: Sciurus carolinensis carolinensis (EXIF Information is accurate – stamped in UTC). Web Page and Pictures By Peter Leitheiser Updated: 2009JUN14 |
