National Squirrel Appreciation Day

Celebrated on 01/21/2026

Quick Fact

National Squirrel Appreciation Day was founded in 2001 by Christy Hargrove, a wildlife rehabilitator from North Carolina. She chose January 21 because it falls during a time when squirrels are most active in storing food and preparing for winter.

Origins and Establishment of National Squirrel Appreciation Day

National Squirrel Appreciation Day was created in 2001 by Christy Hargrove, a wildlife rehabilitator in Asheville, North Carolina. Hargrove, who worked with the Western North Carolina Nature Center, wanted to encourage people to observe and appreciate the often-overlooked squirrels in their backyards. She selected January 21 as the date because it is in the middle of winter, when squirrels are particularly active gathering food and their antics are more noticeable.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Since its inception, the holiday has grown modestly through social media and wildlife organizations. Today, it is celebrated by nature enthusiasts, schools, and wildlife centers through activities such as setting out extra nuts or seeds, building squirrel feeders, and participating in citizen science projects like squirrel population counts. Some communities host “squirrel appreciation walks” or educational events highlighting the ecological role of squirrels as seed dispersers.

Facts & General Observations

• There are over 200 species of squirrels worldwide, ranging from the tiny African pygmy squirrel (about 5 inches long) to the Indian giant squirrel (up to 3 feet).
• Squirrels are known to plant thousands of trees each year by forgetting where they buried their acorns.
• A squirrel’s front teeth never stop growing, which is why they constantly gnaw on hard objects to keep them trimmed.

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