Yes, squirrels do groom each other, a behavior scientifically known as allogrooming. Squirrels use this interaction to maintain both hygiene and social harmony within their groups. The act involves one squirrel cleaning the fur of another using its teeth and forepaws. The frequency and specific context of allogrooming vary depending on the species and the relationship between the individuals involved.
The Functions of Mutual Grooming
Allogrooming serves two primary purposes for squirrels: biological cleanliness and social communication. Biologically, the mutual grooming process helps remove ectoparasites, such as fleas and mites, from the recipient’s coat. Squirrels are adept at self-grooming, or autogrooming, but areas like the head, neck, and upper back are difficult to reach effectively.
Grooming from a partner allows for comprehensive coat maintenance. This is important for preventing skin infections and regulating body temperature. The action often involves a gentle gnawing or nibbling motion. This physical interaction is believed to induce a state of relaxation in the recipient.
Socially, the shared activity reinforces established social bonds and promotes group cohesion. The exchange of grooming acts as a non-verbal form of communication that expresses trust and comfort between participants. The act can also reduce tension and appease other individuals, especially in species with dominance hierarchies. This cooperative behavior helps squirrels stabilize their relationships within the community.
Who Participates in Allogrooming
Allogrooming is highly selective and depends on the social structure and relationship status of the individuals. The most frequent and intensive grooming occurs between a mother and her offspring. Since young squirrels cannot groom themselves thoroughly, the mother’s meticulous cleaning is essential for their survival and early hygiene.
Grooming is also commonly observed between adult mating pairs, often as part of courtship rituals or immediately following copulation. This interaction serves to solidify the pair bond. While less common between non-related adults in solitary species, it is a regular occurrence in more social species like the eastern grey squirrel and colonial ground squirrels.
In social species, allogrooming can be seen between siblings or other established kin within a family unit. Grey squirrels, for example, exhibit high levels of tolerance and often engage in social grooming, sometimes sleeping together for warmth during the winter. This cooperative behavior is a hallmark of their communal lifestyle, contrasting with the territorial nature of solitary species like the red squirrel.