November 19, 2011

Wildlife Wonders of Alaska - Red Squirrel


Ah, it was nice to take a little break from blogging. I’ve been occupied with everyday living tasks, and I finally have a free moment to load up another Alaska photo post! 

While we stayed at the Kantishna Roadhouse in Denali National Park, we spotted this red squirrel zipping through the property. When he wasn’t chowing down wild blueberries, he was devouring tender spruce needles. And luckily, he stayed still long enough for me to capture his impish good looks. 




The red squirrel has an extensive range throughout most of North American. But don’t let the cute bushy tail and pointed ears of these rodents fool you! Like all squirrels, they can cause considerable damage if they ever find a way into your house. A voracious appetite supports their super-charged energy levels. 

Here is an interesting tidbit about them. The red squirrel drinks tree sap from maple trees! It bites into a tree until the sap flows out, leaves temporarily, and then returns to drink the sap after the water has evaporated.

10 comments:

  1. Beautiful photos - love the little 'critter'. He looks so like the little fellow who scampers across my back fence, scolding me as he goes - I'm sure he thinks I'm in HIS territory!
    ~Adrienne~

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  2. Now isn't he the cutest little thing! I love how the squirrels are so fat right now getting ready for the winter hibernation! Have a wonderful weekend!

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  3. I like their busy tails--they are such cute and smart creatures! If I were an animal, I'd want to be a squirrel.

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  4. Great photos of those sassy little buggers. I didn't know that they drank maple sap...interesting.

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  5. They are cute, but deadly aren't they.

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  6. I took a picture of a gray squirrel today. Until I saw this photo, I was pretty proud of myself. =)

    No, they do that to maple trees? Does it hurt the maple tree? I hope not.

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  7. They are cute little devils. Every time we try to put bird feed out for the birds the squirrels eat it all. So aggravating.
    Wanna come down for Thanksgiving? LOL! Just thought I'd ask. Hee! Hee!
    Have a lovely day.
    Kim

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  8. what a fabulous picture of the squirrel. Interesting about how they drink the tree sap too.

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  9. Well I'm a sap for those big brown eyes.

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