What’s Up With Squirrel

Every morning on my way to the kitchen for coffee, I see Squirrel in my flower pots on the back porch.

The first time, I thought how cute and took a picture.

About the fourth or fifth time, I began suspect Squirrel was up to something.

Then took another picture.

I was beginning to wonder if Squirrel was after something in the soil or was Squirrel eating these rescued plants. (Rescued from the slugs in the garden.)

Luckily the rescued plants were not harmed by Squirrel nor was there any evidence that Squirrel was digging in the soil.

I did; however, observe Squirrel licking its way around the rim of the flower pots daily.

And took a picture.

After some internet sleuthing, I learned squirrels are attracted to terra cotta pots for several reasons.

One is that terra cotta pots absorb minerals and salt from the soil. As water evaporates from the soil, minerals and salt build up on the sides of the terra cotta pots. Squirrels need salt and minerals in their daily diet and may not get those from eating all the bird seed and most of the vegetable garden produce. To supplement their diet, they will lick the minerals and salt from around the edges of the flower pot.

And two, Squirrels tend to gnaw on hard things such as terra cotta pots to keep their continuously growing teeth from growing too large.

To keep squirrels from licking the rim and sides of the flower pots, it has been suggested that one can set out safe chewing materials that can provide mineral supplements such as deer antlers or cow bones. 😳

I think I’ll just let Squirrel lick the terra cotta pots! LOL

I don’t have ducks,

or a row.

I have squirrels

and they are everywhere.