The Promiscuous Female Red Squirrel

So far, the red squirrels rank as the number one most promiscuous member of the kingdom Animalia. Researches reveal that these small creatures can mate up to 14 different sexual partners in just a single day! Now, that might sound too much but red squirrels are really notorious for their sexual behaviours, especially the female ones. It is easy to see the obvious advantage of multiple sexual partners to male red squirrels, but it is quite too difficult to figure out for their female counterparts. For one reason, male red squirrels are inclined to spread their "genes" to as many female squirrels as possible, but to female squirrels, what benefits could they get? Whether they go multiple or not, they will still be capable of bearing the same number of litters. This big question actually pushed a lot of scientists to focus their studies on the female red squirrels to find the answer to this question.

A certain red squirrel project spearheaded by a non-government agency started to monitor about 7000 female squirrels during different seasons. They found out that regardless of the season, the female red squirrel will always be in heat. It cannot lower down the level of its "appetite" for sex and just like most males in the kingdom Animalia (like male humans), male red squirrels are nothing but very willing participants.

The old theory that tried to explain this rather odd female red squirrel behaviour is hinged on genetics. The theory stipulates that the female squirrels are genetically-driven (that means that the chemicals which their bodies normally produce drive them to want to have a lot of male sex partners) to copulate that much, thus the act becomes hormonal and unfortunately, for squirrels, their hormones for sex just don't reach a low point. Still, this theory has not been supported with actual valid data just yet. The red squirrel project is still out there trying to figure out why red squirrels are very sexually active. However, the most acceptable answer that we get nowadays is that these squirrels are just promiscuous and there's no need to explain why because they are simply the way they are.

Well, understanding red squirrels as simply promiscuous animals is kind of acceptable too. For one reason, the elephant seal also exhibits the same behaviour as well as Garter Snakes. According to scientists, the male elephant seal can impregnate about 50 female elephant seals per breeding season; talk about male scarcity. The Garter snakes are not as "manly" as the male elephant seal but just like some humans, these snakes participate in group sex or orgies. Nevertheless, as far as female promiscuity is concern, the red squirrels still top the list.

Because of their promiscuous behaviour, female red squirrels are often infected with sexually transmitted diseases. The problem is, male red squirrels do not really mind, so they too become infected of such diseases once they mate with the infected females. Sexually transmitted Diseases or STD account for hundreds of squirrel deaths each year. But, quite surprisingly, because of their sexual behaviour too, they are able to maintain their population into a safe level despite the mortality rates. The population can even raise high enough to cause serious pest problems in some orchards and gardens.

But, the question is, how are female squirrels able to get too many sexual partners? One possible constraint is their highly territorial nature. This means that if a family of squirrels is already in a specific area, other squirrels will not invade the area and would find another "territory" to own. If they are so picky about territories, how are female squirrels getting all the males that they want? Well, the first answer is: female red squirrels are not really picky; they mate even with their cousins and relatives. So, even without other male squirrels from other families, female red squirrels still get laid down. Second, if the cousins are not enough, female red squirrels excrete urine along their path to create a trail towards them. This method is called the "chase". Needless to say, male red squirrels are more than willing to participate in the chase. Whichever male red squirrel that catches up with the female red squirrels that left the trail will definitely get its reward.

We can actually say that squirrels as less evolved animals which are not capable of turning down a "suitor". This behaviour exposes the squirrels into two major threats:

1. Exposure to predators

Squirrels do not mate under mattresses, we all know that. Plus, they are also defenceless during mating and are totally focus to the act that they will not be able to notice an approaching predator. It is so easy for a predator to strike a mating pair and be almost certain to get the kill every time.

2. Spread of sexually transmitted diseases or STD

This has been touched earlier in this article. Because of their sexual behaviour, squirrels are exposing themselves to the risks brought by having STDs and unfortunately, the potential of them catching these diseases is quite high.

Quite surprisingly, it was also found out that not all female red squirrels prefer to have multiple sex partners, although this does not mean that they don't get as much sexual intercourses as those that prefer to have a lot of males screwing them. This fact makes it harder for scientists to actually spell out the real normal behaviour of female red squirrels when it comes to mating.

For the reasons stated above, the study on squirrel mating behaviour becomes more and more intriguing as scientists uncover new secrets. While it may not be very clear now why female red squirrels do what they do, scientists are certain that they would eventually find out the real story behind their promiscuity in time. For now, all that we can do is to wait for the scientists to finish their job and just enjoy with the thought that some animals are more promiscuous than humans. Some people might actually find that comforting to hear.