National Park Service Recommends Avoiding the ‘Bitey End’ of Cute and Fluffy Squirrels

SnowBrains |
squirrel,
Yikes. not so cute and fluffy! Credit: Blumhouse

Most squirrel bites originate at the front, or โ€œbitey end,โ€ of the squirrel. Keep reading for more squirrel facts.โฃ

🐿 Squirrels can be cute and fluffy, therefore, people like to have them get close, but that cuteness fades away rapidly after a quick bite to the hand. (Also true for humans.)โฃ
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🐿 Squirrel bites are one of the most common injuries at parks. True story.โฃ
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🐿 Feeding human food to any wildlife is bad for them and makes them fearless and potentially aggressive. (Too much sugar?)โฃ
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🐿 When people offer or drop more food (and water), squirrels start to realize that humans are โ€œthe source.โ€ As we became the place that food and water came from, squirrels can get all too comfortable getting close and pushing boundaries. When did you last see your backpack? โฃ
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🐿 Squirrels may not know better, but YOU do. Although it may feel flattering (well, arenโ€™t you the animal whisperer) if any wildlife approaches you, back away and maintain that safe distance. Itโ€™s your responsibility and your safetyโ€”help us keep wildlife wild.โฃ

Learn more at https://www.nps.gov/articles/feeding-wildlife.htmโฃ

squirrel
A ground squirrel stands over a little puddle of water, with red cliffs and canyon walls in the background at Grand Canyon National Park. Credit: NPS / B. Oatesโฃ

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