I could not get an angle that let me see what this Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) was eating earlier this month at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, but I was very much taken by the cute way that it had curled up its tail as it was eating. Normally I think of a squirrel with its long fluffy tail trailing behind it, so I was surprised to see the tail pulled into the squirrel’s body, making the small animal look even smaller.
In addition to the curious tail position, I like the way that I was able to capture the texture of the branch. The color of the branch was almost a perfect match for the squirrel’s fur and the brownish buds were almost the same color as the fur surrounding the squirrel’s eye.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Mike, yes to everything you wrote about the details! I’ve rarely seen this, too! Great capture! 🐿
I smiled at your description of the ‘unusual’ tail position. It’s actually quite common. They do that for warmth in winter, and to shade themselves in summer, when they can lower body temperature slightly by diverting some blood flow to the tail. That curled-up tail serves as an umbrella in drizzle, too!
After having a squirrel as a pet for eight years, I came to love them, and probabaly spend too much time watching them.
I guess that I need to observe squirrels more often. I seem to remember in science class being told how a limited sample size can skew your conclusions, so I guess my statement about the tail position was skewed. Thanks for providing the details about the benefits of holding the tail that way–I smile when I think of a squirrel using its tail as an umbrella.
I have a collection of both Fox and Gray squirrels that come to the feeders just outside the window by my desk, so I have plenty of opportunity even while I’m drinking coffee and reading blog posts!
I have seen some wonderful videos of the ingenuity of squirrels in solving the challenges of bird feeders, including the “squirrel-proof” ones. 🙂
Great info Linda, I’ve occasionally seen photos of squirrels with their tail against the body like this and have wondered what the reason would be.. now I know. Thanks!
I always thought squirrels do that for warmth. Was it cold out?
I hadn’t considered that, but it does make sense. As I recall, it was pretty cold that day.
Looks as if he’s hiding his treat from you! 😳
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I don’t think the squirrel wanted to share. 🙂
Beautiful – I so miss squirrels. None here in Australia!
Love this bushy tail. Wonderful shot !
[…] Tale of a tail […]
Nice