Squirrels as role models!?

Squirrels are just lowly rodents to some folks, but to admirers they are high flying acrobats, fuzzy tailed philosophers, scampering tree huggers, and resourceful survivors. (They are also awfully cute!)

There are some life lessons we can learn from them! Consider these:

First, we all know this easy one…to save for the future! The smart squirrel squirrel’s those nuts away. Did you know that he breaks the nutshell with his teeth and cleans it by licking or rubbing it on his face to apply his scent to the nut? This marks it as “his” and helps him find his buried treasure months later.

Second, we can learn to adapt and adjust as they do, individually and collectively. The 285 species of squirrels live in habitats ranging from South America’s tropical forests to Africa’s semiarid deserts (not counting your backyard!) They even learn how to handle life upside down. They learn how to be flexible and reach for that limb that at first looks impossible.

Third, they are good stewards of our earth. Did you know that they help the life cycle of a forest by eating bark/plants/insests/nuts/ leaves/roots/seeds that help out with its environment. And, of course, they help replant the forest when they can’t find those seeds and nuts they hid!

Fourth, they teach us to pace our lives, to live in the rhythm of the seasons. In the spring they normally get up near sunrise to get food, build their nest, raise their young. During the summer, most begin to slow down and take a siesta in the afternoon before returning to getting food and playing. And during the winter, they usually get up near sunrise, work until noon time and then spend the rest of the day resting and conserving heat.

So…

Can you find a personal lesson to take from our furry friends?