Animal behavior is one of my FAVORITE topics, and we’re studying it through an animal you’ve probably seen a thousand times but never truly observed: Squirrels!
Listen to Learn Animal Behavior with Squirrels:
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Why squirrels? They’re abundant, easy and fun to watch (one of my friends called them “our” monkeys), and perfect for learning how scientists study behavior in the real world.
In this video, I talk about:
- What animal behavior is
- The kinds of animals scientists study to understand behavior
- How YOU can help scientists by joining Project Squirrel
- What data you’ll collect and why it matters
- The bonus animal behavior ethogram activity you’ll get inside the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club, as well as worksheets on using squirrels to conduct observations on foraging, communication, habitat use, and personalities
In Project Squirrel, you’ll help scientists figure out where different species live, why they live there, and how human activity impacts them. Even if you don’t see squirrels, your observations still help real researchers! Understanding where squirrels don’t live is just as important as understanding where they do live.
If squirrels aren’t in your area, you can conduct the same exercises with birds and submit your observations to help scientists at eBird.
We’ll also preview upcoming winter bird-focused projects, so start sharpening your bird observation skills. Whether you’re a curious kid, parent, teacher, or nature lover, this video and the downloadable activities in the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club will get you outside, observing, asking questions, and contributing to community science.
Let’s explore animal behavior squirrel-style!
To get the downloadable activities associated with this video for children, enroll in the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club.
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