Squirrels are a common sight, often darting through trees or across lawns. Their bushy tails are not just for balance; they play a central role in their communication system. When a squirrel shakes or flicks its tail, it sends a deliberate message. The meaning varies based on the movement’s speed, intensity, and pattern, offering insight into the squirrel’s immediate concerns and interactions.
Signaling Danger
Squirrels frequently use tail shaking as an alarm signal to alert other squirrels to potential threats. The tail acts as a visual flag that enhances vocalizations like barks, kuks, or moans. When a squirrel spots a ground predator, such as a cat or a fox, it may rapidly flick its tail while orienting towards the threat. This motion helps other squirrels discern the exact position of the danger, even from a distance or through dense foliage.
The pace and intensity of these tail flicks often reflect the perceived urgency of the threat. Faster, sharper flicks signal a more immediate or stressful situation, prompting nearby squirrels to become vigilant or seek cover. However, for aerial threats like hawks, tail flicking is avoided to prevent revealing the squirrel’s location. In such cases, squirrels rely more on camouflage and stealth.
Deterring Predators
Beyond warning their own kind, squirrels also use tail shaking to communicate directly with a predator. When a squirrel encounters a predator, particularly snakes like rattlesnakes, it may vigorously wag its tail. This display signals to the predator that it has been detected, removing the element of surprise that many predators rely upon.
Tail flagging communicates that the squirrel is aware of the predator’s presence and is prepared to flee or dodge an attack, making it a less desirable target. Research on California ground squirrels has shown that tail flagging can deter rattlesnakes from striking, as it advertises the squirrel’s vigilance and readiness to evade. In some instances, ground squirrels can even heat their tails, making them more visible to heat-sensing predators like rattlesnakes.
Expressing Agitation or Dominance
Tail shaking is not solely reserved for predator encounters; it also expresses a squirrel’s emotional state, including agitation, frustration, or dominance. Squirrels might flick their tails when annoyed, such as if a human gets too close to their young or a food source, signaling a warning to back off.
In social interactions, particularly during territorial disputes or competition over resources, squirrels use tail movements to assert dominance. Rapid, sharp tail flicks directed at another squirrel serve as an aggressive warning, especially for territorial species like red squirrels. These displays, sometimes accompanied by chattering or foot stamping, signal a readiness to defend their space or resources. Tail flicking can also show frustration, such as when a squirrel struggles to open a food container or drops a nut.