We have often talked about the Red Squirrels areas,
their domain and their reach.
But we've never seen a demonstration of it.
So, I took a random part of Denmark
for this demonstration.
An Alpha, or a Alpha couple's domain
is about 300 meters,
or 328 yards in diameter from their main dray.
They often have multiple dreys
rather close to each other,
as backups and food storage space.
As you can see from the picture I made,
there are cars and a soccer stadium,
as a reference of scale.
Each one of these domains are run by a separate
alpha squirrel and/or alpha couples.
They rarely cross each others domains,
to avoid conflict, except for twice a year.
And neutral zones (food areas).
(Indicated with Blue)
Twice a years, it's mating season
and likewise, baby squirrel season.
Doing these time, spring and fall,
there's a full on truce.
Doing this time
the areas are somewhat free to access
for any and all neighboring squirrels.
They all know each other,
cause they can smell each other upto
1 kilometer away, about 1000 yards away.
They can smell who they are, who they have been with,
what they had for dinner and if they are sick,
without ever seeing each other.
Doing the truce period,
male squirrels will go look for available females.
The females, will go look for lost or
orphan squirrel babies.
If they find some, they will adopt them.
Outside the season however,
there are strict rules and boundaries
that could cost them their lives
if they choose cross the line.
(Indicated with Red)
Baby squirrels are fully mature
and counts as adults, at the age of 1.
Babies are expected, by their parents,
to vacate their area, before they turn 1.
However, there are exceptions to this.
Like, if the parents are old, 3 to 4 years of age,
then their time of ruling is coming to an end.
In this case, the parents will retreat
from their domain and leave it
for their strongest child to rule.
The parents will find a remote location,
away from squirrel community,
to build a final drey and enjoy their retirement.
This drey, once they have passed,
can and most likely will be used
for young squirrels, in the coming years,
coming full circle. 🌀
Little extra note,
this is an extremely simplified version
If you remember my tree run route drawing,
that's how complicated it can be,
but only to us dumb humans.
PS:
Grey squirrels are a little different
and their areas are smaller.
They can form large family territories
that are densely packed, with up to 20 to 30 squirrels.
They are much more Wolf Pack oriented,
they attack, defend and operate,
as a community group,
especially against snakes and other predators.
Meanwhile, the Eurasian/European Reds,
are solitarian squirrels.
Wow so interesting, your knowledge is amazing Decan, thank you for sharing.