Squirrel Appreciation Day2026 · Date · History · Messages
Smithsonian continuity and National Wildlife Federation reporting support January 21, 2001 creator lineage for Christy Hargrove; current federal wildlife guidance governs safe activities.
About Squirrel Appreciation Day
Squirrel Appreciation Day is observed on January 21. Smithsonian material uses the date and notes that the observance has been celebrated since 2001.
National Wildlife Federation and other long-running observance references identify wildlife rehabilitator Christy Hargrove of Asheville, North Carolina, as the founder in 2001.
Why Squirrel Appreciation Day matters
The day is an informal wildlife-appreciation observance centered on learning about squirrels and noticing their role in local ecosystems.
Modern wildlife-safety guidance matters more than older celebration suggestions: U.S. National Park Service and Fish & Wildlife Service resources warn against feeding wild animals because it can harm wildlife and change natural behavior.
History of Squirrel Appreciation Day
Squirrel Appreciation Day dates to 2001 and is associated with wildlife rehabilitator Christy Hargrove.
The National Wildlife Federation has described the observance as founded by Hargrove in Asheville, North Carolina, in 2001.
Smithsonian material uses January 21 for the observance, and Smithsonian Institution Archives notes that it has been celebrated since 2001.
The founder-era tradition has sometimes been described with feeding suggestions, but current federal wildlife guidance cautions against feeding wild animals.
The observance can therefore preserve its appreciation purpose while updating activities to follow current wildlife-welfare and local-rule guidance.
What the evidence establishes
Confirmed institutional roles and milestones are shown first. Details that could not be established from the reviewed sources are listed separately below.
8 fields not established in reviewed sources
Also known as
Squirrel Appreciation Day, National Squirrel Appreciation Day
How to Observe Squirrel Appreciation Day
Watch squirrels from a respectful distance and avoid approaching, touching, trapping or relocating them.
Do not feed wild squirrels; instead, follow current local wildlife and park guidance about safe observation.
Learn to identify local squirrel species from a reputable museum, wildlife agency or field guide.
Photograph or sketch squirrels without changing their behavior or disturbing nests and habitat.
Support habitat-friendly practices or a reputable wildlife organization while following local rules about wildlife, feeding and rehabilitation.
Squirrel Appreciation Day Facts
The documented calendar date for Squirrel Appreciation Day is January 21.
Smithsonian Institution Archives says the day has been celebrated since 2001.
National Wildlife Federation material identifies Christy Hargrove as the founder.
Current federal wildlife guidance warns that feeding wild animals can be harmful.
Safe appreciation should prioritize distance, natural behavior and local wildlife rules.
Squirrel Appreciation Day Messages
Celebrate Squirrel Appreciation Day by watching wildlife from a respectful distance and letting squirrels forage naturally.
Topic and context
What this page does not assume
- Keep the source-defined country, community, organizer or institutional scope; do not silently broaden it.
- Do not treat the title alone as proof of government recognition or public-holiday status.
- Do not add a creator, founding story or origin claim unless the supporting evidence establishes it.
Evidence & sources
Sources used across the guide are gathered here. Labels show how each source supports the page, and contextual references are kept separate from primary evidence.
Smithsonian Institution Archives — celebrated since 2001 (opens in a new tab)
National Institution History
Smithsonian — Squirrel Appreciation Day (opens in a new tab)
National Institution
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service wildlife-feeding guidance (opens in a new tab)
U.S. National Park Service — Don’t Feed Wildlife (opens in a new tab)
Government Wildlife Safety
National Wildlife Federation — founder continuity (opens in a new tab)
Wildlife Organization Continuity
Understand it, compare it, then explore further
Start with the most common factual questions, then compare closely related observances and explore useful connections.
Frequently asked questions
When is Squirrel Appreciation Day?
21 January The documented recurrence rule is: 21 January under repeated Smithsonian observance usage..
Does Squirrel Appreciation Day fall on the same date every year?
Yes. It uses a fixed annual date unless stronger evidence changes the pattern.
Is Squirrel Appreciation Day an official public holiday?
The reviewed sources verify it within this scope: United States / informal wildlife appreciation observance. That recognition does not by itself make it a statutory public holiday; the site only makes public-holiday claims when reliable evidence explicitly does so.
Who established or recognizes Squirrel Appreciation Day?
The documented basis is: Smithsonian continuity and National Wildlife Federation reporting support January 21, 2001 creator lineage for Christy Hargrove; current federal wildlife guidance governs safe activities.. Supporting evidence includes Smithsonian — Squirrel Appreciation Day. The site does not infer a separate creator or founder unless reviewed evidence establishes one.
Is Squirrel Appreciation Day international or country-specific?
This observance is specific to United States. Its fuller verified scope is: United States / informal wildlife appreciation observance.
How is this page verified?
The factual information is checked against reviewed sources, including the date pattern, scope and institutional history. This page was checked on 2026-09-22.
When is Squirrel Appreciation Day?
It is observed on January 21.
Who started it?
Reviewed continuity sources identify wildlife rehabilitator Christy Hargrove of Asheville, North Carolina, as the founder in 2001.
Should I feed squirrels to celebrate?
Current U.S. National Park Service and Fish & Wildlife Service guidance advises against feeding wild animals, so observation from a distance is the safer default.
Can I touch or move a squirrel?
Avoid handling, capturing or relocating wild squirrels unless qualified local wildlife professionals specifically direct otherwise.
How can I celebrate safely?
Learn about local species, observe or photograph from a distance, protect habitat and follow local wildlife rules.
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