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Explanation of the defense mechanisms and behavior of squirrels under attack. Also refer to California ground squirrel, rattlesnake, weasel, hawk, predator, coloring, camouflage, tail, sounds, ambush, infrared, IR, sensors, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions

Squirrel Defense Mechanisms

by Ron Kurtus (revised 7 May 2005)

Squirrels have a wide range of predators. When attacked, a squirrel will choose whether to flight or flee, depending on the threat. They have numerous defense mechanisms to avoid a fight. If a California ground squirrel is attacked by a rattlesnake, it may fight back using the unique mechanism of heating up its tail.

Questions you may have include:

• What predators threaten squirrels?
• What are some defense mechanisms?
• How do some squirrels use a heated tail?

This lesson will answer those questions. There is a mini-quiz near the end of the lesson.

Predators

Squirrels have many predators including large snakes, weasels, coyotes, the red foxes, and raccoons. Also large birds such as hawks, falcons, eagles, and owls are notorious for swooping down and carrying off squirrels.

In the city, squirrels may be attacked by cats and dogs. Humans also hunt squirrels.

Defense mechanisms

Squirrels have a variety of defense mechanisms and behaviors to ward off threats.

Visibility

The coloring of the squirrel serves as a camouflage, especially when on the trunk of a tree. The squirrel will also quickly move to the opposite side of the trunk, so the predator does not knew it has moved up to a different location.

Southern flying squirrels can be found in southeastern Canada, the eastern United States, and Mexico. The flying squirrels were most active on nights of poor visibility, as an anti-predator defense mechanism.

Feet

Squirrels have the ability to turn their feet one hundred and eighty degrees, which allows it to quickly scurry up the nearest tree to escape.

Tail

A squirrel will flick its tail from side to side to distract a predator. When caught by a predator, the tail will actually break off, allowing the squirrel a chance to escape. This defense mechanism is also seen in lizards.

Sounds

A California ground squirrel will utilize sounds from its major predator, the rattlesnake, as a defense mechanism. In other words, they are capable of discriminating rattling sounds from other other sounds.

In fact, the squirrel is able to assess the level of danger the rattlesnake represents from its sounds. Sometimes the squirrel will engage in sand-kicking to provoke the snake into rattling to get more information about the size and danger of the predator. This behavior is quite low in risk for the squirrel, while providing it with necessary information about the snake.

Special defense mechanism

If a California ground squirrel comes into proximity with a threatening rattlesnake, it will quickly run away. But if it is ambushed by the snake, it behavior changes to an aggressive fight to save its life.

Tail heats up

The squirrel will face the snake, flail its tail and kick up sand to show it is ready to defend itself. It may even attack the snake, trying to bite it. But it most interesting is a natural defensive mechanism useful only against animals such as a rattlesnake. This breed of squirrel's tail actually heats up during battle.

Rattlesnakes sense body heat

Rattlesnakes distinguish their prey by sensing infrared (IR) radiation emitted by body heat. The hot flailing tail gives off a signal that either confuses the snake or simulates the signal from another threatening animal. Scientists aren't sure what reason is, but in either case, the rattler will turn and slither away.

Only with rattlers

Interestingly enough, the squirrel's tail does not increase its temperature when attacked by other predators, such as a gopher snake. The behavior seems only intended for defense against rattlesnakes.

Summary

Squirrels have numerous predators, including weasels, snakes and humans. When attacked, a squirrel will use a defense mechanism to avoid a fight. If a California ground squirrel is attacked by a rattlesnake, it may fight back using the unique mechanism of heating up its tail.

Answers to Readers' Questions

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Resources

The following are resources on this subject.

Websites

The Effect of Approaching Humans on Squirrel Behavior - Miami University School of Interdisciplinary Studies

Squirrel Sanctuary - Behavior of squirrels

Utilization of predator vocalizations as a defense mechanism - Term paper from Delaware Valley College

Southern Flying Squirrels - From Wildlife Rescue League

Science News - Squirrel Uses IR to Escape from Rattlesnake

California Ground Squirrels - Information from University of California-Davis

Behavior Resources

Books

Top-rated books on Squirrel Behavior

Miscellaneous

Mini-quiz to check your understanding

1. Why do squirrels need to be wary?

2. What trick does a squirrel use when escaping up a tree from a predator?

3. How does a California ground squirrel ward off a rattlesnake?

If you got all three correct, you are on your way to becoming a Champion in Understanding Behavior. If you had problems, you had better look over the material again.

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