Why Do Squirrels Kiss Each Other?

Occasionally, squirrels appear to be smooching each other, but it's not necessarily for romantic purposes. Belding's ground squirrels will “kiss” when they meet an unfamiliar squirrel, by pressing their noses together. Each squirrel has scent glands around their mouths that produce unique secretions. This scent allows squirrels to identify close relatives.

Female ground squirrels live in tightly-knit groups and will support their relatives, even by putting themselves in danger. This might include warning calls that alert others to predators but draw attention to the calling squirrel. Kissing enables the squirrels to determine who is family and worth protecting so they don't risk their lives for non-relatives.

Other types of ground squirrels may also use kissing to identify relatives in order to prevent inbreeding.

More about squirrels:

• The smallest species of squirrel is the African pygmy squirrel, which is only about 5 inches from tail to nose tip. The largest species is the Indian giant squirrel, which can reach over three feet long.
• Squirrels are omnivores and will eat smaller animals, insects and baby birds as well as seeds, roots and other plant matter.
• Squirrels are found on almost every continent in the world, with the exception of Australia and Antarctica.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do squirrels appear to kiss each other?

Squirrels may seem to be kissing as part of their social grooming behavior, which helps them bond and establish social hierarchies. This behavior also allows them to clean each other in hard-to-reach areas, promoting hygiene and health within their community.

Is the behavior that looks like kissing actually affectionate?

While it may resemble human affection, squirrels' 'kissing' is more practical than emotional. It's a form of social interaction that can strengthen group cohesion and convey information about social structures, rather than an expression of affection as humans understand it.

Can this behavior be observed in all types of squirrels?

Social grooming, including the behavior that resembles kissing, is common among many squirrel species. However, the frequency and context can vary depending on the species' social structures and environmental factors.

Does this behavior serve any purpose in squirrel communication?

Yes, this behavior is a crucial part of squirrel communication. It can convey information about an individual's health, reproductive status, and social ranking. Through close contact, squirrels can also exchange scents that are essential for recognition and the establishment of social bonds.

How do young squirrels learn this behavior?

Young squirrels learn social behaviors like 'kissing' through observation and mimicry. As they grow, they watch and interact with adult squirrels, picking up on the nuances of their social interactions, which includes grooming and the behaviors associated with it.

Is there a specific time when squirrels engage in this behavior more frequently?

Squirrels may engage in social grooming more frequently during the mating season to establish and maintain social hierarchies or when introducing new members to a group. Additionally, it can be more common when parasites are prevalent, as grooming helps control these pests.