Squirrels use vocalizations and body language to communicate. They employ various sounds to convey messages to one another and to other creatures, including humans.
The Sound of a Squirrel’s Alarm
What humans commonly refer to as a “bark” is typically a squirrel’s alarm call, a sharp, repetitive sound. This vocalization is often described as a “kuk” or “quaa,” sometimes with a raspy quality. The sound can vary, with short, sharp barks indicating immediate danger, while longer barks might suggest a more distant threat. It serves as a general warning signal, alerting other squirrels to perceived danger or an intrusion into their territory.
Squirrels also combine these barks with other sounds like chirps, chatters, and hisses, along with tail flicking, to convey different levels of urgency or agitation. For instance, a rapid series of “kuks” and “quaas” often signals the presence of a terrestrial predator. The intensity and type of vocalization can help other squirrels assess the nature of the threat, guiding their response.
Why Squirrels Bark at You
When a squirrel directs its barking at a human, it generally indicates that the squirrel perceives the person as a potential threat. This behavior is a defensive mechanism, a way for the squirrel to communicate its discomfort and encourage distance. A squirrel might bark if you approach too closely to its nest, its cached food supply, or its general territory.
The barking can also serve to warn other squirrels in the vicinity that a potential danger, such as a human or a domestic animal like a dog or cat, is present. Some species, like the American red squirrel, are particularly territorial and will vigorously defend their space, vocalizing to keep interlopers away. Even if a squirrel is not inherently aggressive toward humans, its barking is a clear signal of agitation or a demand for space.
What to Do When a Squirrel Barks
If a squirrel barks at you, there is no need for alarm; it is simply engaging in a natural behavioral response. The most effective action is to give the squirrel space and avoid any sudden movements that might increase its perceived threat. Understanding that the squirrel views you as an intruder in its area can help guide your response.
Backing away slowly shows the squirrel that you acknowledge its warning and are not an immediate danger. Observing the squirrel’s body language, such as tail flicking, alongside its vocalizations can provide further cues about its state.