Saturday, November 19, 2011

Friend or Foe?

fox squirrel enjoying my Fraxinus americana 'Autumn Purple'
This American Red Squirrel  Fox Squirrel is one of many that call my neighborhood home. I enjoy watching their antics in the garden, but don't appreciate their persistent attacks on my bird feeders!

Are squirrels a part of your garden's ecosystem? Do you consider them friends or foes?

ETA:  Thanks to Connie who correctly identified this squirrel species!

6 comments:

Connie said...

I believe that is a fox squirrel - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fox_Squirrel

Mostly friend, my mini dachshunds think FOE.

Jocelyn H. Chilvers said...

You are right, Connie! Thanks for the correction!! Guess I'd better stick to plant ID, eh?

Desert Dweller said...

Our local squirrels sure like to eat prickly pear fruit and temporarily splash their maroon colors all over our tan wall and patio! Kind of a nice color, so I say "friend".

Jocelyn H. Chilvers said...

Your squirrel report gave me a good laugh - I could just see those little paw prints everywhere!

MarkNDenver said...

These little buggers are just "tree rats" - nothing more - nothing less. They can cause damage in many different ways around the home. In my mind they have no redeeming value. Any they multiply like rabbits...

Jocelyn H. Chilvers said...

I agree about the potential for damage and over-population! I find them amusing, but don't encourage them with specialty feed, etc.