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Merry Beth Ryan, a member of the Florida Outdoor Writers Association, can be reached at www.merrybethryanphotography.com, by e-mail at mbr1965@comcast.net or by phone (941) 544-5023.

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Gray squirrels are persistent and clever members of the rodent family. But unlike their rat brethren, squirrels are cute.

Their most common color is gray with a white belly. Some think squirrels are pests because they are constantly chewing on something to sharpen their teeth. Squirrels love nuts and use an incredible sense of smell to locate nuts they've buried in the ground.

Gray squirrels are known for cleaning out bird feeders and digging up a flower garden in search of bulbs to chew on or seeds to eat.

Squirrels make an interesting wildlife neighbor. Squirrels remind me of young children at play, always full of energy and personality. Watching them interact and play is fun.

They are as curious about us humans as we are about them. Eyes located high on their head give them a wide field of vision without having to turn their heads.

When a squirrel senses danger they usually will freeze and stay motionless. They then run to climb the nearest tree to escape. They communicate through chirping sounds.

When hunting and sitting quietly in my tree stand, squirrels help keep me me alert hoping to see a nice deer jump out within camera shooting range.

Birds take note of where the squirrels hide nuts underground so they can go dig it up as soon as the squirrel leaves.

Squirrels are excellent climbers gaining plenty of exercise daily running up and down trees and bird feeders. Over the years squirrels learned humans are a great food source. Squirrels dine on nuts, berries, insects and bird eggs when they can't get a handout. But if you start feeding a squirrel, word spreads and the entire squirrel family soon arrives at your house ready to eat.

The gray squirrel, one of the easiest animals to observe, seem to be everywhere in parks, woods and in your yard. Take the time to sit and watch a squirrel. At times they seem to be try to communicate with us as they give what appears to be a friendly smile.

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