When observing squirrels, many notice movements that appear as if the animal is “pointing at itself.” This behavior sparks curiosity about its meaning. Scientifically, these gestures are not self-referential but complex forms of communication. This article explores the specific actions involved and what they truly signify.
The Observed Gesture
The behaviors interpreted as “pointing” involve specific physical actions. A squirrel might sit upright, bringing its front paws to its mouth or chest, sometimes rubbing these areas. Its bushy tail, a prominent feature, frequently engages in rapid, repetitive flicking or waving motions. Body posture can shift from a relaxed stance to a more rigid, alert position, sometimes with the tail held over its back. These actions are typical components of squirrel communication.
Understanding the Purpose
These gestures serve various communicative purposes within the squirrel’s social and environmental interactions.
One function involves scent marking. Squirrels rub their cheeks or mouth areas on surfaces, which contain scent glands. This action helps them leave chemical signals to mark territory or communicate their presence. Squirrels also use urine for scent marking along their travel routes.
Another purpose is territorial display and signaling dominance. Postures and tail movements communicate a squirrel’s status or warn rivals. For instance, a squirrel standing tall with its paws held against its chest, sometimes called a “boxer position,” can be an aggressive display. While grey squirrels are not strictly territorial, they establish dominance hierarchies, using aggressive interactions that can involve these displays.
Rapid tail flicking is an alarm signal, alerting other squirrels to danger. This movement indicates the presence of a predator, such as a hawk or a fox, and warns others to be vigilant. Different tail flicks or vocalizations might distinguish between ground-based or aerial threats. These signals are part of their survival strategy, ensuring the group is aware of immediate risks.
Some gestures are related to food caching and defense. When squirrels handle nuts, they perform “paw manipulations” and “head flicks” to assess the food item before burying it. These actions are part of storing food for later consumption. Squirrels might also make false caches, pretending to bury a nut if they are being watched, to deter theft.
Contextual Clues
The meaning of a squirrel’s gestures, including those that resemble “pointing,” is influenced by the surrounding circumstances. Environmental factors, such as the presence of other squirrels, predators, or available food, provide context for interpretation. Observing the immediate situation helps understand what the squirrel is communicating.
For example, rapid tail flicking combined with chittering noises indicates alarm when a predator is nearby. However, similar tail movements might occur during courtship rituals or territorial disputes. If a squirrel performs these actions while burying a nut, it might be defending its cache from competitors. Understanding the broader context provides insight into the message conveyed by these behaviors.