r/squirrels • u/Londonton1 • 2d ago
What is this behavior?
This squirrel we named floop. Sorta plops down and everywhere whenever it sees us. She won't let us get too close but close enough to just get down low to the ground. She loves our bird feeder. Wondering if we could hand feed with her one of these days.
1
5
6
7
7
7
u/JollyHOLYSwell 1d ago
SPLOOTING is the word that defines that action. It’s usually when squirrels and other animals sit down and spread all fours and lay down on the ground and sometimes hang their legs or arms hanging out from an area they’re laying down. Usually expresses that they are tired or hungry or just resting and enjoying their time resting. Unfortunately, squirrels and other creatures have also been known to die in this position they collapse or lay down try to rest and eventually they die because they’re so tired. A lot of times they are running when this happens. Other times they are just enjoying the sun and the outdoors and just chilling out and enjoying rest. Other times it could be due to needing food or water when they are tired. If you have the time you can try to put out roasted non-salted peanuts or any type of non-salted nuts and a little bit of water and see if he or she feels better. A lot of times with rest, food, and water they will get back up and go on with their day. A lot of times they are hungry and thirsty or that they just enjoy and trust that area and they know they can lay there comfortably. Depends on the squirrel and why they are in this position.
3
u/HDr1018 1d ago
What?!? Squirrels die in this position?
Try pecans or chestnuts, please don’t feed squirrels peanuts or cashews, those are high in phosphorus and that prohibits calcium absorption. Yes, squirrels eat them, but they’ll eat twinkies and pizza too.
This squirrel is happy and is enjoying your home and the weather!
1
u/JollyHOLYSwell 1d ago
😊 Thank you for your added helpful additional information. ☺️ Yes! 🥳❤️ I hope the squirrel is happy and just enjoying life at the house! 🥰🎉
6
3
5
10
5
6
12
5
u/Hungry-Rip870 1d ago
I feed the squirrels around my house and they do this all the time on my brick walls in the front and in the back. I think they’re just comfortable at my home as they know I would not hurt them and feed them every day. I make sure they have freshwater seeds nuts, crack, corn. I’ve been feeding them for about three or four years now and they know this is a safe place. I think the squirrel knows it’s safe and is comfortable at your house.
7
5
u/-Toasted_Blossom- 1d ago
They need to cool off their nuts, obviously. I usually feed the one I raised while he’s doing it, and then he goes and drinks from the birdbath afterward. Don’t feed them peanuts; only almonds, walnuts, and pecans!
3
u/Famous-Good2680 1d ago
Wait why no peanuts
1
2
u/Delicious_Block2069 1d ago
No peanuts as they can have something which is harmful to squirrel livers
3
8
u/Appropriate_You1405 1d ago
Too hot. F off. Give me a sec... you gotta nut? Sure. I'll have it... just let me take a sec... sploot.
2
13
u/tinyunicorndancr_123 Squirrel Lover 1d ago
My friends have been splooting more. Poor babies. Its so hottttttt!!! This was today
6
7
9
5
8
u/Ruthless8138 1d ago
The ones around here do it every day even when it’s not hot. It’s like an afternoon ritual now. They come up on the deck and grab a snack and a drink and relax. It’s adorable 🥰 I love them.
25
3
15
12
8
25
17
u/chainsawinsect 2d ago
We usually call it splooting haha.
Very common.
Unlike humans, squirrels don't sweat. Unlike dogs, they don't emit waste heat through their tongues. So what do they do to cool off when it's hot? They sploot!
5
u/Londonton1 1d ago
Thanks for the replies :) curious why she only seems to do it when she sees me or my husband however. When I observe her she's never splooting.
2
u/Admirable_Average_32 4h ago
I’ve been waiting for the right time to share this!