Bark is a Hoot: The Nutty Reason Squirrels Chew!

Squirrel Fun Facts: Why Bark is a Hoot!

Squirrels are one of the most adorable and fascinating animals in the world. Who doesn’t love watching these little critters scurry around, scamper up trees, and perform other acrobatic feats? However, there is more to squirrels than just their cute appearance. If you look closely, you’ll see that these animals have some interesting quirks, one of which is their habit of chewing on bark.

Yes, you read that right. Squirrels like to chew on bark. It may sound strange, but it’s true. Bark is a hoot for squirrels, and they can spend hours gnawing on it. So, why do squirrels do this? There are several reasons. For one, bark contains a lot of nutrients and minerals that squirrels need to survive. By chewing on bark, squirrels can extract these valuable nutrients and stay healthy and strong.

Another reason why squirrels chew on bark is that it helps keep their teeth healthy. Like all rodents, squirrels have constantly growing teeth. They need to wear them down regularly to prevent them from becoming too long and causing problems. Chewing on bark is an effective way for squirrels to keep their teeth at the right length and avoid dental issues.

The Nutty Truth About Squirrels and their Bark-chewing Habit!

Now that you know the reasons why squirrels like to chew on bark, let’s take a closer look at their behavior. Squirrels are known for their nutty habits, and bark-chewing is just one of them. If you watch squirrels in action, you’ll see that they’re very persistent when it comes to gnawing on bark. They’ll use their front teeth to scrape away at the bark, sometimes even going so far as to strip entire sections off the tree.

This behavior can be beneficial to the environment, as well. When squirrels strip bark off trees, it creates openings for insects and other creatures to move in. This can help promote biodiversity and create new habitats for wildlife. However, it’s worth noting that too much bark-chewing can be harmful to trees. If squirrels strip too much bark off a tree, it can weaken the tree and make it more susceptible to disease and other issues.

Overall, the bark-chewing habit of squirrels is just one of the many fascinating aspects of these adorable animals. Whether they’re scampering up trees, burying nuts, or chewing on bark, squirrels are always up to something interesting. So the next time you see a squirrel gnawing on a tree, take a moment to appreciate their nutty behavior and all the benefits it provides.