In the
previous article we have talked about the necessary introduction to the concept of squirrel's defence mechanisms when facing natural threats or whenever they feel they are threatened at all. We have also talked about the animals or situations
squirrels usually feel threatened of and how they initially deal with them and how they would substantially react towards each threat. Another part of the previous discussion is the identification of the importance and value of the predator-prey relationship and how it consummates in the entire process of the
life cycle and the relevance of this cycle to the very existence of each living thing on earth. Lastly, we have also talked about what are the key questions you would ask a reader or an individual who wishes to learn more about squirrels' defence mechanisms.
The key questions which imply the key aspects that would make us fully comprehend the idea of their defence mechanisms as to how they do it, when they do it, why do they do it, which one does it. The questions ought to be answered significantly so that we will fully understand the nature of squirrels whenever they are faced with something that threatens their existence; we also pose threat to them. In order to avoid becoming a threat to such important creatures of the planet, we have to know what are the ways on how we can't be a threat to them and that can only be attainable by knowing what squirrels are afraid of and how they would react towards them.
Sometimes we are often very ignorant about these as we would all normally deem they are insignificant and should not be of any our concerns at all. However, thinking that way would be quite wrong since squirrels as creatures would always serve a vital role in the entire balance of the ecosystem. If mosquitoes alone, so small and apparently insignificant and are even considered pests, could actually have some relevance to the planet, how much more with squirrels that does more than just feeding animal predators in relation to them? This paradox should be more than enough proof to anyone to understand that there is more than just the looks and the size of a creature or the things that they do to
human property as they do serve important roles we may not be even aware of unless we deliberately learn them. After all, if you come to think about it, humans are not the only creatures in the world and we can't therefore live as if kings of the planet. We may be on top of the food chain but we can never be on top unless we give recognition to those species below us that granted us the position we have now in the pyramid of consumption. These small creatures, mosquitoes, termites, squirrels and etc. are the ones responsible for making us the higher ups of the pyramid and without them, we would have not existed at all in the first place.
Understanding the Squirrel Defence Mechanisms
The Predators
Before we can move on in understanding
squirrels defence mechanisms, we must get to know what are the common animals or predators that squirrels are afraid of. If we get to know the animals behind their fears then we will therefore understand why they act that way when they feel fear. Here is the list of the most common
squirrel predators that these rodents would try to avoid as much as possible.
1. Humans
Humans are the most unstoppable squirrel predators of them all. People hunt them not only for food, but even for some other purposes like animal stuff or for their
fur. We also hunt them down when we feel that they have become pests in our homes or in our vegetation. Squirrels may have certain mechanisms to fight back against their predator when they are cornered but with humans, all their efforts will be nullified. Imagine yourself combating a squirrel. It's just practically mismatch. And often humans would even come with the accompaniment of technology like
guns (poachers),
traps,
poisons,
repellents and what not and believe me when I say that squirrels will never stand a chance against any of those. The best that they could do to avoid the absolute fatality brought about by humans is to keep away from human territories. However, we can't expect much from a squirrel mind to pre-empt that. They would still eventually wound up in our homes, and thinking but only ourselves, we kill them right away without remorse. Therefore, we are ultimately the greatest predators of them all.
2. Snakes
There are about many types or species of snakes in the world and if you do place a squirrel right in front of them, they will never ever think twice to devour the poor creature. Squirrels are directly below the food chain to snakes. Snakes would take them as a regular diet as long they are visible within the snake's proximity. This would make snakes to be the next most fear predators for squirrels and perhaps their arch enemy since they are naturally found as well in the same places that squirrels are present. However, unlike humans where squirrels are helpless, with snakes they can fight. Of course they could choose to either
fight or flee from the dangers of the slithering predator. But when squirrels are cornered by snakes, they have a characteristic to heat up and fight snakes when they are aware that there's nothing else left to do. Oftentimes, the snakes are the ones that usually flee because of the sense of threat they would feel from a
pugnacious squirrel. The defence mechanism is actually effective. One species in particular, the Californian ground squirrel have this mechanism especially against rattlesnakes.
3. Airborne animals
Owls, eagles, hawks, and falcons are amongst the most notorious feather-ish brethrens that squirrels are afraid of. They are known for swooping down and swiping their prey to death. Often could only hide from them or bite their feet while on the air but more than half the time the squirrel is just to immobilized to do anything anymore.
to be continued...
