The Collegian

Issue date: 1/21/09 Section: Features

Media Credit: www.weeklyreader.com Squirrel Superman [Click to enlarge]

Squirrels get a bad rap, and I don't understand why.  I guess it's because most people look at them as annoying little "overgrown rats," randomly running out in front of cars or away from pedestrians scatterbrain-like. I However love squirrels!

Jan 21, is National Squirrel Appreciation day.  If you think that is a strange fact, you will find it even stranger to know that there is a whole week dedicated to the appreciation of squirrels-Oct. 5-11. 

For all the bad that is said about squirrels, there is a lot to love and admire about them. One cool feature of the lovable rodents, is that they actually use their keen memory to find their hidden food rather than their sense of smell like most animals use. Sometimes however they forget where they hid their nuts and seeds, leaving the seed to grow into a new tree or plant, thus helping to preserve the environment.

When I look at squirrels, I see carefree risk takers-something, I would love to be. They have no worries aside from gathering nuts and playing with other squirrels. They just love to have fun, In my opinion,who wouldn't want to live like that?

Aside from living life to the fullest with many thrills, squirrels are funny.  What movie that features a squirrel doesn't characterize them in a funny light?

So in the words of a squirrel supporter, squirrels are funny and "Carpe Diem" [seize the day] philosophers, not to mention the're cute with their bushy tail bigger than the rest of their body.

It's a wonder why most people don't love those never boring nut packers?

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