Many people have seen a group of squirrels jumping from one tree to another, chasing each other around and scurrying up the trunks of trees, but might not know what they are called. A group of squirrels is known by several different names.
Squirrels are a species of small tree-climbing rodents that live in wooded environments in both hemispheres. They have bushy tails, sharp claws, and a varied diet that ranges from nuts to small insects. Squirrels are able to glide between trees or jump from one tree to another using their large fluffy tails as a parachute.
A small gathering of two or three squirrels is commonly referred to as a scurry. Scurries can often be seen looking for food or playing chase around trees and lawns. These animals are quite social and tend to gather in groups or colonies, often communicating with each other using their high pitched squeaky chirping sounds.
If you were to see a larger gathering of squirrels, the proper way to refer to it would be a dray. A dray is a term used to describe a group of five or more squirrels. The size of a dray can range from ten to twenty members and is commonly held together by a dominant male squirrel. The dray is a social group, with members having their own distinctive roles and duties.
On rare occasions, you might even come across an army of squirrels. This is a highly organized gathering of anywhere between thirty to fifty squirrels and is the largest group of its kind. The term ‘army’ is derived from the squirrels’ synchronized movements and behavior they exhibit while searching for food and defending their territory.
A single squirrel on its own is referred to as a boomer. This is because the animals can often be spotted jumping and bounding across lawns and up trees in search of food or predators. They are also seen as a symbol of freedom and independence, another reason why they are referred to as boomer.
No matter what you call a group of squirrels, it’s always enjoyable to watch them interact with each other and their environment. Whether they’re rustling around in the leaves, chasing each other up trees, or talking to one another in their tiny squeaky voices, there’s something undeniably fascinating about these furry little creatures.