Squirrel Attack

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by lil fu fu girl

When food resources are scare, and animals are in competition with each other for them, they become very aggressive. Especially when humans move into a house that was formerly their living territory.

I have about 6 squirrels in my back yard and they have never shown aggression to me or my pups. However, I feed them in the far corner of the backyard. They know that this is their spot. The do not have to fight over the few resources left. They have ample food and water. In a time where most species are on the brink of extinction, I think we as the dominate species should make a commitment to preserving what is left.


edited for; I do hope your little one is alright.

I have to disagree with this statement. Most species are not on the brink of extinction, especially not squirrels. In fact, they are many species that are doing "too well" and changing the balance or becoming a nuisance. The grey squirrel is displacing the red squirrel.

[Sandysbabies]

Bless your little baby's heart. I know we have an abundance of squirrels. I have always been afraid of rabies. I don't know what your answer would be. We had a problem with the neighbors rooster coming in our yard. Against the law? People don't care. I was scared to death the thing would jump on one of babies and hurt them real bad or put their eyes out. This was a fighting rooster. Last time he came he brought his girlfriend and about 4 babies. I don't know why our yard is so interesting. The bad thing is with squirrels and roosters they can climb over a wooden fence. So, what do you do? My babies don't even want to go outside anymore.

[babbsiam44]

Maybe you shuld "post" one of them owls like Walmart does(or at least in our area) on top of your house or in the yard. I have always looked out for them "crack eating" critters around here. They are always on the move nervously like they are on drugs or something. We have too many hawks and ows to really worry about them.

[lil fu fu girl]

Originally Posted by Maximo

I have to disagree with this statement. Most species are not on the brink of extinction, especially not squirrels. In fact, they are many species that are doing "too well" and changing the balance or becoming a nuisance. The grey squirrel is displacing the red squirrel.

Currently this year alone over 11,000 species will become extinct.
The Golden toad, the Zanzibar leopard, the Po'ouli, Medieran large white butterfly, the West African Black Rhino are only a few of the larger animals that are now gone this decade.

I understand your statement about the red squirrel, and it is indeed in trouble. However, eliminating food and water for all squirrels seems to be only an addition to this problem with the red squirrel, don't you think? I mean, here we stand, a community dedicated to the preservation of Yorkies; thier health and well-being. Yet at the same time we exclude any other species that we consider annoying?! I cannot be that person, my religious beliefs enforce the betterment of all species, not just the humans.
Squirrels are a link in the food chain. Red-tailed hawks, Peregrine Falcons, and our beloved American Eagle all feed off these species. When we eliminate the fodder for these big birds of prey, they in turn become aggressive and attack fodder that is not in their repertoire; like our pups.
Aggression in animals is mainly caused by territorialism due to dwindling resources. We have the ability to feed and assist all the animals that live within our environment, why not?

[honeykisses]

Here is what the CDC website says about squirrels and rabies:

"Small mammals such as squirrels, rats, mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils, chipmunks, rabbits, and hares are almost never found to be infected with rabies and have not been known to cause rabies among humans in the United States. Bites by these animals are usually not considered a risk of rabies unless the animal was sick or behaving in any unusual manner and rabies is widespread in your area."

CDC - Pet Risks - Rabies

Hope this helps.

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by lil fu fu girl

Currently this year alone over 11,000 species will become extinct.
The Golden toad, the Zanzibar leopard, the Po'ouli, Medieran large white butterfly, the West African Black Rhino are only a few of the larger animals that are now gone this decade.

I understand your statement about the red squirrel, and it is indeed in trouble. However, eliminating food and water for all squirrels seems to be only an addition to this problem with the red squirrel, don't you think? I mean, here we stand, a community dedicated to the preservation of Yorkies; thier health and well-being. Yet at the same time we exclude any other species that we consider annoying?! I cannot be that person, my religious beliefs enforce the betterment of all species, not just the humans.
Squirrels are a link in the food chain. Red-tailed hawks, Peregrine Falcons, and our beloved American Eagle all feed off these species. When we eliminate the fodder for these big birds of prey, they in turn become aggressive and attack fodder that is not in their repertoire; like our pups.
Aggression in animals is mainly caused by territorialism due to dwindling resources. We have the ability to feed and assist all the animals that live within our environment, why not?

There are so many species in the world that man doesn't even know how many or cannot even count. Even at the rate of 11,000 a year going extinct (which, I don't see how that would even be possible to track, to be able to definitely say not a one of species XYZ exists anywhere in the world, especially when we are still discovering species unknown before, ones that did not just evolve), no one can make the claim that "most" species are on the verge of going extinct. Not even close.

My understanding of the dwindling red squirrel numbers is that it is not for a lack of food. Rather, grey squirrels are doing *too* well because their resources are too plentiful and they are overwhelming the red squirrel (natural selection).

I agree that squirrels are part of the food chain, and their population can get out of control if they are provided an unnatural abundance of resources. My backyard is an example of an overabundance of unnatural resources that I planted: tons of holly berries, hickory nuts and oak acorns, dogwood tree berries (I never have blooms thanks to the squirrels ) and on and on. The concentration of food in my yard would never occur in nature. And I do have a bird bath where all the squirrels rinse the nut shells out of their mouths, and I put fresh water in twice a day.

My poor Yorkies can't go in the backyard because the rabbit poop is unbelievably thick, and I recently learned that rabbit droppings can carry lepto. Max and Teddy never get to run off leash, as a result.

Aggression in squirrels and other animals can also be caused by humans feeding them, as was the case on my school campus. The squirrels were becoming so comfortable being around humans and receiving food, they started attacking for cheetos at lunchtime. The natural food sources on the campus were no longer satisfactory.

[lil fu fu girl]

Originally Posted by Maximo

There are so many species in the world that man doesn't even know how many or cannot even count. Even at the rate of 11,000 a year going extinct (which, I don't see how that would even be possible to track, to be able to definitely say not a one of species XYZ exists anywhere in the world, especially when we are still discovering species unknown before, ones that did not just evolve), no one can make the claim that "most" species are on the verge of going extinct. Not even close.

Extinction rates
Future Biodiversity Threatened
Fuzzy math extinction rates

Unfortunately, now I must disagree with you. My current database is filled with articles such as these. I have linked them, but am unsure if everyone will be able to access them, as some require academic documentation. Sadly, Mass Extinction is not a query anymore, but a proven fact by many of the herpetologists around the world. Species are going extinct at a rate which might compare with the Tertiary and Triassic extinctions.

My understanding of the dwindling red squirrel numbers is that it is not for a lack of food. Rather, grey squirrels are doing *too* well because their resources are too plentiful and they are overwhelming the red squirrel (natural selection).

Although natural selection does indeed play its part, there is something much more sinister at work here: what is commonly called "squirrel pox". The grey squirrel is a carrier of this particular virus and it has developed antibodies to the disease. However the red squirrels have not, and usually succumb to this infection. The Institute of Zoology in the UK has found that the reds are in fact beginning to develop the beginnings of an antibody for this virus, and their "white papers" have been promising more assistance in the possibility of synthetic antibodies. Which would also benefit our reds over here across the pond.

I agree that squirrels are part of the food chain, and their population can get out of control if they are provided an unnatural abundance of resources. My backyard is an example of an overabundance of unnatural resources that I planted: tons of holly berries, hickory nuts and oak acorns, dogwood tree berries (I never have blooms thanks to the squirrels ) and on and on. The concentration of food in my yard would never occur in nature. And I do have a bird bath where all the squirrels rinse the nut shells out of their mouths, and I put fresh water in twice a day.

Wow...Your backyard sounds absolutely spectacular! Well....except for all the rabbit poop!

My poor Yorkies can't go in the backyard because the rabbit poop is unbelievably thick, and I recently learned that rabbit droppings can carry lepto. Max and Teddy never get to run off leash, as a result.

Not only rabbit droppings, but cats, foxes, mice, etc. In fact cats are carriers of Lepto, and as a carrier they show no symptoms of infection. However, their urine is loaded with bacteria.
I suppose if I had a backyard like yours, I would be upset if my pups could not even venture into it without fear of being accosted.

Aggression in squirrels and other animals can also be caused by humans feeding them, as was the case on my school campus. The squirrels were becoming so comfortable being around humans and receiving food, they started attacking for cheetos at lunchtime. The natural food sources on the campus were no longer satisfactory.

......... for this whole Cheetos thing.......I got nothin'
I mean who would have known??

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by lil fu fu girl

......... for this whole Cheetos thing.......I got nothin'
I mean who would have known??

I was being silly with the Cheetos. I don't even like them.

[lil fu fu girl]

Originally Posted by Maximo

I was being silly with the Cheetos. I don't even like them.

Me...(crunch crunch crunch).... either.....(crunch crunch)!

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by lil fu fu girl

Me...(crunch crunch crunch).... either.....(crunch crunch)!

I'll need photographic evidence because I don't believe a nutrition expert like yourself would indulge in the orange puffs.

[manolos mom]

Well, Shiner is OK....He is guarded by his Rabies vac. It did scare him. He wanted to play. I spoke with our vet and he told me that squirrels are very territorial. Since I have not spent much time in my back yard the squirrels got upset that my husband was near their tree. This squirrel was not afraid. I agree that we must preserve nature but we must let nature BE nature and not feed them. I have no bird feeders in my yard but this little guy IS very possessive of his tree. This has taught me a big lesson that we must respect nature and understand, THEY ARE JUST ANIMALS, doing what animals do. Another good point Please make sure your dogs have their Rabies shot. I have a very tight fence around my yard and would have never thought of any animal entering my yard, well I was wrong...Lissette

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by manolos mom

Well, Shiner is OK....He is guarded by his Rabies vac. It did scare him. He wanted to play. I spoke with our vet and he told me that squirrels are very territorial. Since I have not spent much time in my back yard the squirrels got upset that my husband was near their tree. This squirrel was not afraid. I agree that we must preserve nature but we must let nature BE nature and not feed them. I have no bird feeders in my yard but this little guy IS very possessive of his tree. This has taught me a big lesson that we must respect nature and understand, THEY ARE JUST ANIMALS, doing what animals do. Another good point Please make sure your dogs have their Rabies shot. I have a very tight fence around my yard and would have never thought of any animal entering my yard, well I was wrong...Lissette

Glad to hear Shiner is okay, and your experience is an excellent lesson to everyone to make sure their pets are up to date on rabies shots.

[BabyGirl Rosie]

Originally Posted by manolos mom

Well, Shiner is OK....He is guarded by his Rabies vac. It did scare him. He wanted to play. I spoke with our vet and he told me that squirrels are very territorial. Since I have not spent much time in my back yard the squirrels got upset that my husband was near their tree. This squirrel was not afraid. I agree that we must preserve nature but we must let nature BE nature and not feed them. I have no bird feeders in my yard but this little guy IS very possessive of his tree. This has taught me a big lesson that we must respect nature and understand, THEY ARE JUST ANIMALS, doing what animals do. Another good point Please make sure your dogs have their Rabies shot. I have a very tight fence around my yard and would have never thought of any animal entering my yard, well I was wrong...Lissette

I am so glad Shiner is ok. I know you must have been so scared!! Good point to remind everyone about having a rabies vac. However, I don't actually agree with the vet. I have been feeding the squirrels around my house for years. I have never had trouble at all. I am not sure that food is the only reason they would behave this way. I am not a squirrel expert by any means but it just seems there has to be another link. A few have said that they feed them and have never had trouble. Others think it is the food. Like I said I don't know that much about them but is there any thing else that could be a factor? Could the squirrel have had babies around or anything?

[Lisa and Pic]

Originally Posted by manolos mom

Well, Shiner is OK....He is guarded by his Rabies vac. It did scare him. He wanted to play. I spoke with our vet and he told me that squirrels are very territorial. Since I have not spent much time in my back yard the squirrels got upset that my husband was near their tree. This squirrel was not afraid. I agree that we must preserve nature but we must let nature BE nature and not feed them. I have no bird feeders in my yard but this little guy IS very possessive of his tree. This has taught me a big lesson that we must respect nature and understand, THEY ARE JUST ANIMALS, doing what animals do. Another good point Please make sure your dogs have their Rabies shot. I have a very tight fence around my yard and would have never thought of any animal entering my yard, well I was wrong...Lissette

Oh, I am so glad your little Shiner is okay. How scary.

[Rhetts_mama]

I'm glad Shiner is ok. We have a squirrel in our backyard who has no fear at all. He comes right up to my back door and looks in, even with Rhett and Scarlett standing guard.