Author’s Note: Research is credited to National Day Calendar, National Wildlife Federation, Summit Environmental Solutions

NDSU campus seems to be the main attraction for squirrels come fall. From late August to November, they’re everywhere, and bold enough to stand right in front of any person that happens across their path. 

It’s fitting that October is National Squirrel Month.

That’s right; an entire thirty-one days every year is devoted to squirrels. In honor of this month they have, here are a few quick facts about these furry little friends.

Squirrels’ front teeth never stop growing

This is common for most rodents, actually, including rats and mice. The constant use of their teeth keeps them worn down.

Squirrels don’t run in a straight line on purpose

Their zig-zag pattern is to throw off predators.

Squirrels are sneaky

Oftentimes, they only pretend to bury their food. By digging a hole and quickly filling it back up, without hiding anything, they can fake out potential food thieves.

Squirrels are international

There are over 285 species of squirrels in the world. They are found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. 

Squirrels eat. A lot.

A squirrel can consume their own body weight in food every week.

Squirrels are pretty athletic

A squirrel can jump up to twenty feet, using their tail for a parachute. Their hind legs are also double-jointed! The fastest squirrels can run up to twenty miles an hour, but most only run about half as fast.

There’s really a lot to say for these tiny, furry creatures. It may seem crazy to give them their own national holiday, let alone an entire month, but there’s no good reason not to give them this honor. Give the squirrels their respect (and space to be a wild animal) not just during October, but all year long.