Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to understand the basics of squirrel care, including their diet, habitat, and general needs.

Materials and Prep

• Pen and paper
• Access to the internet or books for research

Before starting the lesson, make sure to have a general understanding of squirrels and their natural habitat. This will help you better understand their care requirements.

Activities

• Research: Spend some time researching different squirrel species and their specific care needs. Take notes on their diet, habitat preferences, and any special considerations.
• Design a Squirrel Habitat: Use your research to design an ideal squirrel habitat. Consider the type of trees, plants, and shelter that would be suitable for squirrels. Create a drawing or write a description of your habitat.
• Plan a Squirrel Diet: Based on your research, create a sample diet plan for a pet squirrel. Include a variety of nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables to ensure a balanced diet.
• Build a Squirrel Feeder: Using simple materials like cardboard, string, and a plastic bottle, design and build a squirrel feeder. Hang it outside and observe the squirrels as they visit your feeder.

Talking Points

• Squirrels as Pets: While squirrels can be fascinating animals, it's important to note that they are not suitable as pets in most cases. They have specific needs and require a large amount of space to thrive.
• Squirrel Diet: Squirrels are omnivores, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. Their diet primarily consists of nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. It's important to provide a variety of foods to ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients.
• Squirrel Habitat: Squirrels are arboreal creatures, meaning they live in trees. They build nests called dreys using leaves, twigs, and other materials. Their habitat should include trees for climbing, dense vegetation for cover, and a water source.
• Squirrel Behavior: Squirrels are highly active and agile animals. They are known for their ability to climb trees, jump long distances, and bury food for later consumption. They are also territorial and may defend their territory from other squirrels.
• Squirrel Care: If you encounter an injured or orphaned squirrel, it's important to contact a wildlife rehabilitation center or an experienced wildlife rehabilitator. They have the knowledge and resources to provide proper care and ensure the squirrel's well-being.