The reason for squirrel chasing ranges from playing with each other to exerting dominance over each other.Depending on the situation, the behavior can be explained. Proper observation of the squirrel’s behavior allows insight into their world.Although it might seem like they are fighting, in reality, such chasing behaviors can be interpreted in many ways. Squirrels are an active species that like to run around all the time. The cute little squirrel that climbs and jumps around trees is a sight to see when you are outdoors. They are your friendly next-door neighbors. We see them running around the roofs of our houses and chasing fellow species of squirrels. Playing for fun is a behavior trait that comes naturally to these creatures.Do you ever wonder why they behave a certain way and what their behavior means? Animal behavior is fascinating and very different from human behavior. It is difficult to find answers as to why animals behave a certain way but by observing them, one can conclude their behavior as a means of communicating certain messages. Squirrels have different ways of expressing themselves too. A close look at this species will reveal a lot about their behavior. Let us discuss the chasing behavior seen in squirrels here and try to understand these cute little creatures and answer why squirrels chase each other.Find out more facts about animals by reading about why sloths move so slow and why squirrels shake their tails.Do all squirrels chase each other?All squirrels chase each other but for different reasons. The reason for the squirrel chasing depends on the sex, age, and environment of the species. It is a common behavior seen among squirrels.Younger squirrels are seen chasing each other because they are playing. This type of play benefits young squirrels to modify their chasing and coordination skills. When they become adults, such plays will make them capable of protecting themselves in dangerous situations. On the other hand, the adult male squirrels chase other male squirrels to exert dominance over the other. This power play of dominance is done in order to secure a mate. Males have to fight and win over the other males in order to do this. When squirrels are 10-12 months old, they are mature enough to mate. When it is time to mate, a male squirrel will secure a mate for themselves through fighting and chasing other male squirrels. There are two types of mating chases: one is among males and the other is between the male and the female. After the dominance of a male squirrel is established, they chase female squirrels who are in the estrus stage for the mating process. It is a way of earning female attention. Though they do not mate for life, the female squirrels like to play hard to get when males are chasing them to identify the scent when females are on heat. They run off to excite the male squirrels chasing them. The scent released from the female squirrel body encourages the male squirrels to chase them. The chase follows through tree trunks and roofs until the male succeeds in the pursuit. The dominant squirrel will win her over as a mate. Squirrels, both male, and female, mate with several partners. After the mating process, the responsibility of parental care is done by the female squirrel. Female squirrels rarely chase each other. But if there is a lack of area available to live, females are seen chasing each other to protect and secure territory in order to raise their younger ones. Since the responsibility of taking care of the young squirrels is upon the mother squirrels, they only chase other squirrels for this reason. There is no fighting among the females to show dominance. The solution for territorial disputes among squirrels is solved through such a chase. They are seen chasing each other in a spiraling pattern up and down the tree trunks. Young squirrels move away from their mother to establish their territory once they are mature enough. The lack of nesting areas and limited food causes more chases among the species. Male squirrels are particularly protective of their territory and will chase anyone who comes in close proximity to it.Among various squirrel species, territorial dispute behavior is different. Gray squirrels don’t have any territorial behavior since they live together in groups. Females get territorial only when there are young ones to raise. But, red squirrels are a solitary squirrel species and prefer living alone. Due to this reason, they are very territorial and will chase away anyone intruding in their area. Some squirrels also have to chase away others in order to protect their limited food supplies. They have to collect food supplies to survive the winter. It’s important to keep the food safe from others or else they will starve without food during the winter season. In such chasing behavior, the peace between the species is maintained and there is an establishment of boundaries among themselves.Are squirrels social?Squirrels are social animals when they are comfortable. Although they are slightly timid in the beginning, once no threat is detected, they can be very amicable.Adult squirrels are independent and prefer living alone due to their dominant nature. Sometimes they do live in groups during winter. They are a bunch of talkative ones so it’s easy to befriend them. When it feels safe, they will start talking to you in their language to have some fun.Squirrels have three basic communication methods: tail waving, chirping, and barking. Tail wagging is done to alert other fellow squirrels and to communicate with them. Barking is a form of defense mechanism usually done when they feel threatened or angry. Chirping is the playful and calm side of a squirrel. Squirrels are social when they are in chirping mode. When they are barking at you, it’s safe to keep a distance. They might end up scratching you when provoked. If they are licking or nibbling you, it is a form of expressing affection. Squirrels are also a very intelligent species. They can remember the human faces that they’ve encountered before. They will remember the faces of humans that gave them food and are found to be more comfortable with them.Should you intervene when squirrels are chasing each other?The territorial world of squirrels is different from human beings. The way they communicate is unique and hard for the human mind to fully understand. We have already discussed why grey squirrels chase each other in an up and down spiraling pattern. There is no danger in this activity as it is a sign of a normal playful pattern that can be observed when these animals are trying to establish their claim on a territory. Besides, it’s a means by which the species maintain a balance in their territory. Human interference in such matters is unnecessary.It is best to leave them in their territory and observe from the outside. Even though one might feel particularly fond of the species with a need to protect them, squirrels belong in the wild as they are fiercely territorial especially when it comes to mating. There are certain laws of nature that balance human life and animal life. It’s okay to feed and love squirrels but at the same time, it’s important to ensure that the equilibrium that is maintained and that the playful living pattern of the species is not disrupted. It is best not to handle adult squirrels since they are very excitable creatures who, when threatened, may harm human beings. They become easily agitated and do not like to be touched, especially when they are already in a chase. The young ones behave differently since they are not aware of their surroundings and emotions yet. In normal cases, it’s best not to interfere with squirrels when they are chasing each other. But, if you find a squirrel being chased by a predator, you can help them be safe.When are squirrels the most active?Squirrels are known to be very active. It’s an obvious fact when you observe them running around the roofs and jumping the trees. The longer the day, the more active they become.Squirrels are known to be crepuscular animals, that is, they become more active during the evening and early morning hours. They like to hunt for food during the warm hours of early morning when there is less activity around. But this can vary among species also. To state an example, gray squirrels begin wandering before the sun comes up, whereas red squirrels are active in the mornings and late afternoon resting during the middle of the day to avoid heat and excess visibility to predators. Tree squirrels are active during the morning, late afternoon, and evening. No squirrels are active during the night except for flying squirrels. They are mostly asleep during the night. They are also inactive during uncomfortable weather like when it’s windy or rainy. Squirrels prefer the sunny warm weather to spend their time on treetops. Since there is stored food collected for the wintertime, they protect themselves from the cold climate by staying inside. They are most active in the spring and fall during which the food needed for the colder climate is hunted and stored. Although, if they do come out in late winter, it’s mainly in the morning or during the middle of the day when there is a somewhat warmer climate.By learning these reasons for the squirrel chasing behavior, it will be easy to interpret and understand what is happening when you see a bunch of squirrels chasing each other the next time.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for why do squirrels chase each other, then why not take a look at why do tigers have stripes or Mexican Gray Squirrel facts?
The reason for squirrel chasing ranges from playing with each other to exerting dominance over each other.
