squirrelly question

rhymegirl · Apr 28, 2008

We have this squirrel running around our yard, and up and down the trees. What makes him different? No bushy tail. It looks like he only has a part of a tail or none at all.

I've been wondering about this. Do you think he was born that way or somehow lost his tail in an accident?

joyce · Apr 28, 2008

Perhaps he had a meeting with a transformer. I know we have some squirrels who are missing their tails or only have a bob. A neighbor told me he'd seen one walk on the transformer and it blew him off the power pole. The squirrel lived but lost his tail in the event. I also think that perhaps he might have had an encounter with some preditor that grabbed his tail and ripped it off.

DL Hegel · Apr 28, 2008

yeah I've heard of the transformer thing too--

joyce said:
Perhaps he had a meeting with a transformer. I know we have some squirrels who are missing their tails or only have a bob. A neighbor told me he'd seen one walk on the transformer and it blew him off the power pole. The squirrel lived but lost his tail in the event. I also think that perhaps he might have had an encounter with some preditor that grabbed his tail and ripped it off.

Appalachian Writer · Apr 28, 2008

I think he probably lost his tail to a cat. In suburban or even urban areas, the cat is the real nemisis of squirrels. He must be pretty quick. Treat him nice. I'm sure he has bad dreams.

Keyan · Apr 29, 2008

I recall reading somewhere - maybe a Gerald Durrell book - that squirrels have skin on their tails that rips off pretty easily, giving them a lizard-type defense. Unlike in lizards, it doesn't grow back - the skinned part dries up and falls off.

So yes, it would seem an encounter with a predator is a possibility.

squirrelly question

rhymegirl

It's a New Year!

joyce

I'm really shy...

DL Hegel

Tigress Tyrant

Appalachian Writer

Somewhere in the hills....

Keyan

ubiquitous