Red squirrels, socially distant by nature, teach us the value of good neighbours

In the far reaches of Canada’s North, there’s a different type of social distancing happening this year. Amid the lingering snowdrifts and bowed branches of spruce trees, a small mammal yells a ferocious “stay away!” call that can be heard more than 100 metres away.

These “rattle” calls are made by a species abundant in the boreal forest — the North American red squirrel — and send a clear message to other neighbouring squirrels: “This is my territory. Stay off.”

Despite being small in stature, red squirrels are known for their ferocity. Both males and females occupy individual…

© La Conversation - jeudi 25 mars 2021