Tired of my typical snarky, off beat observations and blog posts? Prefer a standard, composed post on a topic? This is why I periodically pass along a blog post created by Artificial Intelligence on a random National Day. Sit back and enjoy a staid and standard blog created by Chat GPT. Illustrations inserted from my stock photo supplier…

Every year on January 21, we pause to appreciate one of nature’s most entertaining, industrious, and misunderstood creatures: the squirrel. Whether they’re darting across power lines, burying acorns with serious intent, or freezing mid-yard like they’ve been caught in a secret mission, squirrels bring a surprising amount of joy to everyday life.

Why Squirrels Deserve Appreciation

Squirrels are more than backyard comedians. They play a vital role in the ecosystem:

• 🌰 Forest gardeners: By burying nuts and forgetting some of them, squirrels help plant countless trees.
• 🦉 Food chain heroes: They’re an important food source for hawks, owls, foxes, and other wildlife.
• 🧠 Smart problem-solvers: Studies show squirrels use memory, deception, and planning to protect their food caches.

In short, squirrels are clever, resourceful, and essential.

A Brief History of the Day

National Squirrel Appreciation Day was created in 2001 by wildlife rehabilitator Christy Hargrove, with the goal of shifting public perception. Instead of seeing squirrels as pests, the day encourages us to recognize their intelligence, resilience, and ecological importance.

Squirrels Are Surprisingly Relatable

Let’s be honest: squirrels feel very human sometimes.

• They prepare obsessively for winter.
• They panic briefly, then move on.
• They snack constantly.
• They occasionally forget where they put things.

If that’s not relatable, what is?

How to Celebrate

You don’t need a parade or party hats (though squirrels would probably steal them anyway). Here are simple ways to celebrate:

• 🥜 Put out squirrel-safe food, like unsalted nuts or corn.
• 📸 Watch and photograph their antics.
• 🌳 Plant a tree or support local wildlife conservation.
• 🚫 Respect boundaries: appreciate from a distance and avoid feeding harmful foods.

A Final Thought

Squirrels remind us to slow down, laugh a little, and prepare for the future without forgetting to enjoy the present. They’re small creatures with a big impact, and today is the perfect day to give them the appreciation they’ve quietly earned.

So next time you see a squirrel flick its tail and dash off with purpose, take a moment to smile — and maybe whisper, “Happy Squirrel Appreciation Day.” 🐿️✨