Broad Ripple Random Ripplings

Brought to you by:

Everything Broad Ripple Home

Random Ripplings Home

2010 10 01

Column

Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v07n20)

Right in my Own Backyard - squirrel stories - Guest Columnist Ruth Holladay - by Brandt Carter

posted: Oct. 01, 2010

Guest Columnist Ruth Holladay

Here's the perfect ice-breaker.

You're at a social gathering on the city's Northside, say a block party or a cookout or just having coffee or cocktails with friends.

After introductions, or whatever, an awkward silence descends.

And then YOU say, "Does anybody here know any good squirrel stories?"

Or, even more on point - say you're a total extrovert with maybe a couple drinks under your belt - you boldly share your views on squirrels: do you like them, feed them, hate them, think they are the biggest and most obnoxious pests in the universe?

Trust me. The conversation will be much more lively than if you hold court on your politics or kids or sex life. In fact, the chatter will be as animated and light-hearted as the little rodents are thick in Marion County.

How thick is that?

"They thrive on small woodlots. They especially do well in areas that are interspersed with woods and open areas," explains Josh Griffin, district wildlife biologist with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

"They" are officially known as fox squirrels - this is the bushy-tailed, tawny-brown/grizzled-black number with the orangey belly that calls Central Indiana home (in northern Indiana, the red squirrel prevails; in rural areas in the state, it's the grey squirrel.)

You won't see many fox squirrels or any others if you reside in a subdivision that's been cut out of cornfields, or any place where trees are scarce.

This explains why they are so prolific on the city's Northside. Fox squirrels rule in Broad Ripple, Meridian-Kessler, Butler-Tarkington, Rocky Ripple - areas all known for mature trees and lawns.

So because we are blessed with old trees and squirrels, we are blessed with squirrel stories.

Every Saturday, I sell birdseed for Backyard Birds at the Broad Ripple Farmers Market. It's a great little gig, and trust me, we hear ALL the best squirrel tales.

I've learned that bird-lovers can be divided into two categories: those who also feed squirrels, and get a big kick out of them - yes, there are people who buy peanuts exclusively for squirrels - and those who do everything in their power to baffle the squirrels and keep them away from that birdfeeder.

My favorite yarn this summer had nothing to do with feeding, but instead involved a customer from Carmel who, one day, rummaging in his basement, heard a rustling noise. After investigating, he found a small hole in his basement wall. Next he discovered, in a corner, a cardboard box, filled with insulation, newspapers and a bit of a mess.

He peered in; a fox squirrel poked its head out.

"I jumped about a foot, and so did he," said the customer, who successfully shooed the squirrel outside.

He did not choose the method another customer had jokingly recommended: "Rapid lead application."

But in truth, squirrels are "harvested" readily in Indiana - 500,000 squirrels were hunted and killed last year in the state.

Right now, squirrel season is in full swing: it starts Aug. 15 and runs until Jan. 31, 2011; Hoosiers are permitted to "harvest" five squirrels per day.

Do not try this in Broad Ripple or Marion County or any place where it's illegal to discharge a firearm.

But why would you want to?

Rural folks eat squirrel; they fry it.

Fortunately, this delicacy is not available at Fresh Market.

Two more humble pieces of advice:

You really don't need to feed squirrels anytime except in a harsh winter, says Griffin. Then, corn will get them through a rough patch.

Rescuing squirrels is not always a great idea. My son saved a baby grey squirrel in Chicago, bringing it into his apartment and hand-feeding it, nursing it back to well-being. The squirrel lived, albeit developing patchy spots. When the family cat got the mange (a gift from the squirrel), the squirrel was dispatched - back to Mother Nature. All's well that ends well.

Brandt Carter, artist, herbalist, and naturalist, owns Backyard Birds at 2374 E. 54th Street. Visit her web site www.feedbackyardbirds.com. Email your bird questions to Brandt@BroadRippleGazette.com

brandt@broadripplegazette.com

Brought to you by:

Brought to you by: