Virginia Gray Squirrels

In Virginia, there are six species of squirrel:  Eastern Fox Squirrel, Gray Squirrel, Red Squirrel, Delmarva Peninsula Fox Squirrel, Northern Flying Squirrel, and Southern Flying Squirrel.  The last three are endangered species.  For the other three, hunting season is underway.  It started September 1st and ends February 28.  Squirrels can cause trouble for homeowners, especially if they find their way into the attic, but I didn’t realize there was the possibility of hunting squirrels.  The limit is 6 a day!  The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries spells out the limits on Virginia squirrel hunting, which is enlightening information.  In case you were wondering, crow hunting season started in August.  Rabbit, quail, pheasant, and grouse need to start watching their backs in October/November.  But for the humble groundhog–open season is all the time.

But isn’t this little guy cute?!  I’m guessing it’s a gray squirrel.

I haven’t gotten hit with a falling acorn yet, but when those acorns start falling from the trees, I will expect to see more squirrels running around than I see now.

In the same animal family as squirrels is the chipmunk.  Chipmunks are super fast, so hard to catch on camera.  This one didn’t realize there was a photographer nearby.

A mischievous chipmunk used to feast on our tomatoes.  But this year, we saw less chipmunks overall and none took advantage of our tomatoes thankfully!

Maybe our foxes have been responsible for the reduction of the chipmunk population in our backyard, though I wonder if they are quick enough to catch them.  Chipmunks are nervous creatures and quick as the speed of light!  They like to keep a low profile, unlike squirrels.

Beware of squirrels crossing the road in the coming weeks while they gather up their acorn supply for the winter!

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