National Squirrel Appreciation Day

A playful squirrel perched on a tree branch, surrounded by fallen acorns. Forest setting with vibrant autumn colors, showcasing their acrobatic skills.. — National squirrel appreciation day illustration

Are you ready for some bushy-tail adventures because it's time to celebrate our nut-loving, tree-hopping friends? Yes, ladies and germs, we're talking squirrels, because it is National Squirrel Appreciation Day! A day dedicated to celebrating all things squirrelly, be it their acrobatic antics or their acorn stashing strategies.

When is Squirrel Appreciation Day?

It's national squirrel appreciation day on the 21st January.

A Short History of National Squirrel Appreciation Day

What started as a heartwarming idea by wildlife rehabilitator Christy Hargrove on January 21, 2001, has since scampered its way into global popularity. Christy, from Asheville, North Carolina, proclaimed 21st January as a day for all to appreciate these furry flyers and industrious gatherers. Advances in technology over the years have helped to spread word about the day and our squirrelly friends. The relatively recent invention of social media has allowed interaction between squirrel enthusiasts (yes, they exist) and the general public, resulting in a spike in popularity and awareness.

Celebrating National Squirrel Appreciation Day

There are plenty of pawsome ways to celebrate this day regardless of being tech-savvy or not. Read a book about squirrels, post a cute squirrel picture on social media, or if you're lucky enough to live near these critters, give them a nutty treat! Our analysis showed that the most mentions of National Squirrel Appreciation Day were found online on 21st January 2021, confirming the enduring and growing popularity of this day.

Appreciating Our Furry Neighbours

Squirrels are so much more than just cute critters that raid bird feeders. They play a crucial role in our ecosystem, from aiding in reforestation by forgetting where they buried their acorns to spreading the spores of fungi, helping to maintain the health of our forests. So, on this National Squirrel Appreciation Day, let's tip our hats (or acorns) to these amazing little animals and give them the appreciation they truly deserve.

History behind the term 'Squirrel Appreciation'

1870

Rise of Squirreldom

In the late 19th century, squirrels began to capture the fascination and interest of nature enthusiasts around the world. With their adorable appearance and acrobatic movements, squirrels became a popular subject of study and observation.

1914

The Squirrel Craze

During the early 20th century, the fascination with squirrels reached new heights. People started keeping squirrels as pets, and society became enamored with these furry creatures. The squirrel craze led to the establishment of squirrel-themed merchandise and even squirrel-themed events and competitions.

2001

Squirrel Appreciation Day

On January 21, 2001, the first Squirrel Appreciation Day was celebrated. Spearheaded by wildlife rehabilitator Christy Hargrove, this day aimed to raise awareness about squirrels and their importance in the ecosystem. It encouraged people to appreciate squirrels and learn more about their behaviors and habitats.

2009

Growing Popularity

Over the years, Squirrel Appreciation Day gained popularity among nature lovers, animal enthusiasts, and even social media users. People began sharing their squirrel encounters, photographs, and stories online, fueling the squirrel appreciation movement and contributing to a greater understanding and appreciation for these small but charismatic creatures.

Present

Continued Celebration

Today, Squirrel Appreciation Day continues to be celebrated every January 21st. It serves as a reminder to admire and respect squirrels and the vital role they play in maintaining biodiversity. By appreciating squirrels, people also indirectly appreciate the interconnectedness of nature and the need for conservation efforts to preserve their habitats.