Types Of Squirrels In Wisconsin

Wisconsin is home to a variety of squirrel species, each with its own unique characteristics and behaviors. For pet owners in the state, it’s important to be aware of the types of squirrels that can be found in the area, as they can have an impact on your furry friends. In this article, we will explore the different types of squirrels in Wisconsin and how they relate to pets, as well as discuss some interesting trends, common concerns, and answers related to the topic.

Types of Squirrels in Wisconsin

1. Fox Squirrel: The fox squirrel is the largest tree squirrel in Wisconsin, known for its reddish-brown fur and bushy tail. These squirrels are commonly found in wooded areas and can sometimes be seen in urban and suburban areas as well.

2. Gray Squirrel: The gray squirrel is perhaps the most common squirrel species in Wisconsin, with its distinctive gray fur and white underbelly. These squirrels are known for their acrobatic abilities and can often be found raiding bird feeders in search of food.

3. Red Squirrel: The red squirrel is smaller than the gray squirrel and has a reddish-brown fur coat. These squirrels are known for their high-pitched vocalizations and can be quite vocal when defending their territory.

4. Flying Squirrel: The flying squirrel is a nocturnal species that is rarely seen during the day. These squirrels have a loose flap of skin between their front and hind legs that allows them to glide from tree to tree. While they are not capable of true flight, they can glide for impressive distances.

5. Southern Flying Squirrel: The southern flying squirrel is a smaller species of flying squirrel that can be found in Wisconsin. These squirrels are more social than their northern counterparts and will often nest together in groups.

6. Eastern Chipmunk: While not technically a squirrel, the eastern chipmunk is a small, ground-dwelling rodent that is commonly found in Wisconsin. These chipmunks are known for their striped fur coats and cheek pouches, which they use to store food.

7. Ground Squirrel: Ground squirrels are burrowing rodents that can be found in open grasslands and prairies in Wisconsin. These squirrels are known for their distinctive chirping calls and can often be seen standing upright on their hind legs.

Trends Related to Squirrels and Pets

1. Pet owners are becoming more aware of the potential dangers that squirrels can pose to their furry companions. From carrying diseases to causing property damage, squirrels can be a nuisance for pet owners.

2. As more people move into urban and suburban areas, conflicts between squirrels and pets are on the rise. Squirrels are attracted to bird feeders and garbage cans, which can bring them into close contact with pets.

3. Some pet owners are taking measures to deter squirrels from their property, such as installing squirrel-proof bird feeders or using repellents. However, these methods may not always be effective in keeping squirrels away.

4. There is a growing trend of pet owners providing entertainment for their pets by setting up squirrel-watching stations in their yards. This can help alleviate boredom for pets who enjoy watching the antics of squirrels.

5. With the increase in pet ownership, there is a greater demand for pet-safe squirrel control methods. Pet owners are looking for humane ways to keep squirrels away from their property without harming the animals.

6. Some pet owners are turning to technology to keep squirrels at bay, such as using motion-activated sprinklers or ultrasonic devices. These devices can help deter squirrels without causing harm to pets.

7. The popularity of backyard wildlife feeding stations is on the rise, with pet owners creating designated areas for squirrels and other wildlife to feed. This can help reduce competition between pets and squirrels for food sources.

Common Concerns and Answers

1. Are squirrels a threat to pets? While squirrels are generally not aggressive towards pets, they can carry diseases such as rabies and fleas. It’s important to keep pets up to date on vaccinations and flea prevention to minimize the risk of disease transmission.

2. How can I keep squirrels away from my pets’ food? To prevent squirrels from raiding your pets’ food dishes, consider using elevated feeding stations or placing food dishes inside a secure enclosure. You can also try using squirrel-proof feeders or repellents to deter squirrels.

3. What should I do if my pet encounters a squirrel? If your pet comes into contact with a squirrel, monitor them for any signs of injury or illness. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any abnormal behavior or symptoms in your pet.

4. Can squirrels harm my pets? While squirrels are not typically aggressive towards pets, they may defend themselves if they feel threatened. Keep a close eye on your pets when they are outside to prevent any potential conflicts with squirrels.

5. How can I protect my pets from squirrel-borne diseases? Make sure your pets are up to date on vaccinations and flea prevention to reduce the risk of disease transmission from squirrels. Keep your pets away from sick or injured squirrels and contact animal control if you encounter a squirrel that appears sick.

6. What are some signs that my pet may have encountered a squirrel? If your pet has been in contact with a squirrel, watch for symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in behavior. These could be signs of illness or infection.

7. Is it safe for my pet to interact with squirrels? While it’s natural for pets to be curious about squirrels, it’s best to keep them at a safe distance. Squirrels can carry diseases and parasites that can be harmful to pets, so it’s important to minimize close contact between them.

8. How can I discourage squirrels from nesting in my yard? To prevent squirrels from making a home in your yard, trim back overhanging branches and seal up any potential entry points to your home or garage. Avoid feeding squirrels or leaving out food sources that may attract them.

9. Can squirrels damage my property? Squirrels are known to chew on wood, shingles, and electrical wires, which can cause damage to your home. To prevent property damage, make sure to keep trees trimmed away from your house and secure any potential entry points.

10. What should I do if I find a baby squirrel? If you come across a baby squirrel that appears to be orphaned or injured, contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center for assistance. It’s important to handle baby squirrels with care and avoid attempting to care for them yourself.

11. How can I keep my pets safe from squirrels in the yard? To protect your pets from potential conflicts with squirrels in the yard, supervise them when they are outside and provide a secure enclosure or fencing to keep squirrels out. Avoid leaving out food sources that may attract squirrels.

12. Are there any natural deterrents for keeping squirrels away from my pets? Some natural deterrents for squirrels include planting mint, garlic, or marigolds in your yard, as squirrels are known to dislike these scents. You can also try placing predator decoys or using motion-activated sprinklers to deter squirrels.

13. What are some signs that squirrels may be nesting in my attic? If you hear scratching or scurrying noises coming from your attic, it may be a sign that squirrels have taken up residence. Look for chewed wires, insulation, or droppings as evidence of squirrel activity.

14. How can I safely remove squirrels from my property? If you have a squirrel infestation on your property, it’s best to contact a professional wildlife removal service for assistance. Attempting to remove squirrels on your own can be dangerous and may result in injury to yourself or the animals.

In conclusion, being aware of the types of squirrels in Wisconsin and how they relate to pets is important for pet owners in the state. By understanding the behaviors and habits of squirrels, pet owners can take steps to protect their furry companions and prevent potential conflicts. Whether it’s deterring squirrels from raiding bird feeders or keeping pets safe from squirrel-borne diseases, there are ways to coexist with these furry creatures in a safe and harmonious manner. By staying informed and taking proactive measures, pet owners can enjoy the beauty of Wisconsin’s wildlife while keeping their pets safe and healthy.