Squirrels Use Snake Eau de Cologne

Animal behaviorists have observed California ground squirrels and rock squirrels chewing up rattlesnake skin and smearing it on their fur to mask their scent from predators.

Reporting their observations in the journal Animal Behavior, the researchers noted that adult female squirrels and juveniles apply snake scent more often than adult males, which are less vulnerable to predation by snakes. “The scent probably helps to mask the squirrel’s own scent, especially when the animals are asleep in their burrows at night, or to persuade a snake that another snake is in the burrow,” said researcher Barbara Clucas, from the University of California – Davis.

The squirrels are not limited to the use of shed snake skins, added co-researcher Donald Owings. “They also pick up snake odor from soil and other surfaces on which snakes have been resting, and use that to apply scent. Other rodents have been observed using similar behavior,” he explained.

In earlier work, Owings’ lab had found that squirrels can also heat up their tails to send a warning signal to rattlesnakes (which can “see” in the infrared); assess how dangerous a particular snake is based on the sound of its rattle; and display assertive behavior against snakes to deter attacks. “It’s a nice example of the opportunism of animals,” Owings said. “They’re turning the tables on the snake.”

Related:
Global Warming Causes Genetic Changes
Basic Instinct Not So Basic After All

Source: University of California – Davis

, ,

Comments are closed.

Squirrel 2024 Wall Calendar picture

Squirrel 2024 Wall Calendar

$14.98



Squirrel Diploma - Personalized with your Name/Date- Best on eBay. Squirrels picture

Squirrel Diploma - Personalized with your Name/Date- Best on eBay. Squirrels

$10.95



CHRISTMAS VACATION SQUIRREL Ornament - Funny Christmas Tree Ornament picture

CHRISTMAS VACATION SQUIRREL Ornament - Funny Christmas Tree Ornament

$15.99



CHRISTMAS VACATION SQUIRREL Ornament, Funny Christmas Tree Ornament picture

CHRISTMAS VACATION SQUIRREL Ornament, Funny Christmas Tree Ornament

$11.99



Funny Squirrel Humor Fear My Squirrely Wrath Refrigerator Magnet   picture

Funny Squirrel Humor Fear My Squirrely Wrath Refrigerator Magnet

$7.50



Large Squirrel Copper Cookie Cutter, 5

Large Squirrel Copper Cookie Cutter, 5" x 5"

$6.00



Funny Squirrel Tired Refrigerator / Tool Box Magnet Gift Card Insert  picture

Funny Squirrel Tired Refrigerator / Tool Box Magnet Gift Card Insert

$8.00



Old World Christmas SQUIRREL (BL12080) Glass Ornament w/ OWC Box picture

Old World Christmas SQUIRREL (BL12080) Glass Ornament w/ OWC Box

$15.29



Squirrel Christmas Ornament, cute Squirrel Lovers Gift tree hanging decor picture

Squirrel Christmas Ornament, cute Squirrel Lovers Gift tree hanging decor

$19.99



Christmas simulation pine cone squirrel pendant Christmas tree decoration  picture

Christmas simulation pine cone squirrel pendant Christmas tree decoration

$8.27



Powered by WordPress. Designed by WooThemes