Squirrels of this region (the Eastern Grey) make
characteristic, rather irascible-seeming sounds. Just now I had the opportunity to observe one in especially
stark form, perching on a branch of a leaf-denuded oak, on a cold but cloudless
and breeze-free day. There was no
other squirrel -- nor any other animal -- in sight, so he was apparently not
responding to any evident threat, nor was there any answering call.
The vocalization consists of
(1) a series of from around 8 up to
11 short grunts, during which the whole body convulses somewhat, most visibly
the curled tail;
followed by
(2) a series of two to three
squeaks, during which the body is tranquil.
(Repeat ad lib.)
Why do they do that?
Someone must know…
[Update 8 Nov 2015] I happened to re-read this, and was took aback: Good Lord, that reads like a description of coitus.
[Update 8 Nov 2015] I happened to re-read this, and was took aback: Good Lord, that reads like a description of coitus.
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