PetSugar

Creature Features: Squirrels

PetSugar — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:30:55 -0800

During breaks of wet weather over the weekend, we took off to our local dog park to get out some of that rainy day energy. And, while cruising the perimeter, North got a whiff of a furry yet familiar little creature: a squirrel!

Although North couldn't climb up the tree after the quick moving mammal, it made me realize how little I know about the squirrel! So after some research, I thought I'd test your knowledge on them as well!

Source

Take the quiz

Awww, Hurricane Ike's Tiny Bushy-Tailed Victims Need Help

PetSugar — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:00:05 -0700

It's not just pets that need help in the aftermath of recent hurricanes, over 1,000 baby squirrels are undergoing care in what's best described as a "squirrel neonatal unit". The Houston SPCA still receives 20 to 30 lil ones each day, causing these creatures to far outnumber all of the other animals there.

We’re feeding them puppy formula every three hours. . . . We’ve had a pelican and a couple of seagulls, but we’ve been overwhelmed by the squirrels, said Sharon Schmalz, executive director of the society’s Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center, who explained that this was the height of squirrel birthing season in Texas.

The orphans – many less than three inches long – are hand fed via these nipple-tipped syringes and will remain in the care of volunteers until they reach 12 weeks old. They will then be re-released into their natural habitats, places like rural areas outside city limits or tree-filled suburbs, with newfound strength to frolic freely and leap from limb to limb.

Source

The Scoop: Santa Monica Squirrels Get Birth Controlled

PetSugar — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 10:45:18 -0700

Lil squirrelly faces like this one are terrorizing the city of Santa Monica – in fact, there's such a population explosion in Palisades Park that the officials are taking a (thankfully) humane tactic to cut it down . . . birth control shots. It's only the second city in the state (Berkeley was the first) to administer GonaCon, an immuno-contraceptive developed by the US Department of Agriculture to help control the squirrel population. While it doesn't come cheap – costing $2 to $10 a shot – it has no side effects and is much better than the traditional population-control strategy . . . euthanasia. Find out a little bit more (with more pictures) when you read more.

"It's a cutting-edge approach," said Joe McGrath, the city's parks chief. "Pest control in general isn't usually very exciting or even controversial. That hasn't been the case with the squirrels." While my college years were filled with these cheeky creatures often coming into dorms and classrooms, it's been a while since I've been confronted with an overpopulation of squirrels – how about you?

View 5 Photos ›

Source

Creature Features: Squirrels

PetSugar — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 08:00:52 -0800

Happy Squirrel Appreciation Day! After the little guy cracks that nut, he may choose to store his snack. If so, he'll lick and rub his face on it before it's buried – this helps him locate his treat later . . . even under a foot of snow! If you think you're a squirrel expert, test your knowledge and see!

Source

Take the quiz

Lemurs and Monkeys and Meerkats Enjoy Halloween, Oh My!

PetSugar — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 04:00:23 -0700

Halloween's tomorrow but the creatures of Bristol Zoo got their pumpkin treats a little early. These freshly carved jack-o'-lanterns were explored - and devoured - by creatures from raccoons to ring-tailed lemurs. Luckily for us, zoo photographers snapped the action before the pumpkin carcasses were properly disposed.

Don't just take my word for it, see for yourself when you read more.

View 15 Photos ›

Found! Bo's Busy Buddy Squirrel Dude

PetSugar — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 04:00:16 -0700

How radical, I've found Bo Obama's Busy Buddy Squirrel Dude ($9)! The toy bounces wildly all over the place when tossed, due to the odd shape, but the tough rubber holds up to strong chompers after a pup chases it all over the place.

As a bonus, the busy buddy keeps your buddy busy with an opening on the bottom where you can insert kibble or tiny training treats if he needs a little playtime encouragement. Gnarly.

Simple Soda Bottle Bird Feeder Isn't Squirrel-Friendly

PetSugar — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 08:30:21 -0700

Back in 1984, a designer by the name of Norman Earl created the aptly-named Soda Bottle Bird Feeder ($15). The cast zinc contraption seen on the right is an eco-tastic solution - simply fill any two-liter plastic jug with seed to feed chickadees, robins, and other birds that favor hanging feeders. Better yet, it solidly screws on to keep those unwanted four-legged ~~pests~~ guests like squirrels out of the flutter's dining establishment.

Can You Name the Female Animals?

PetSugar — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 15:05:06 -0700

"Doe, a deer, a female deer . . ." may be the first gender animal description to come to mind (OK, maybe that's just me) but do you know the different monikers for girl animals? From sheep to squirrels, test your knowledge, or guessing abilities, in this quiz!

Take the quiz

Results: You Made It Quotable!

PetSugar — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 09:00:02 -0700

Great job captioning this silly photo! You made it quotable with these clever ideas:

Maybe with this Java boost, I'll actually catch the squirrels in my dreams! - AZDaisy

Man, that grande Frap didn't do a thing! Now I gotta do tricks for a ventiI!- IvYm

Somebody pa-leez give me a few dollars, so I can go back into Starbucks! - naughtymonkey01

Source: Flickr User plagal

Chimp Snuggles With Baby Tigers: In the LINK of an Eye!

PetSugar — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 11:30:43 -0700

Anjana cuddles white tiger cubs - Snuzzy
Cheeky squirrel invades family photo - Dlisted
Big bear gets a big root canal - People Pets
Francesca eats (paper) Sharkey - The Daily Wag
600 dogs seized from Texas puppy mill - Dogster
Pet pig eats a woman's diamond! - Paw Nation
Q & A with professional pet photographer Edyta Szyszlo - moderncat