Remarkably, when viewed under ultraviolet light, the teeth, bones, and flesh of fox squirrels shine pink. This trait is so rare that in Florida researchers use it to identify their remains at archaeological sites.
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BACKYARD SECRET – CHIPMUNKS CAN RUN FASTER THAN GRAY SQUIRRELS AND HUMANS
I guess it is just human nature to wonder what is the largest, smallest, oldest, or most beautiful. With that in mind, when you see an eastern chipmunk scurry across you yard, have you ever wondered if you could out run it? I know that I have.
Remarkably, the eastern chipmunk can run at speeds of up to 21 miles per hour. This might not seem like a lot until it can you realize that they can out pace most of us.
The average running speed for humans it 15-20 miles per hour. In my case, it would be difficult for me to run 15 miles per hour, however, the best sprinters can race down a track at 23-25 miles per hour.
In comparison, the gray squirrel can keep pace with the tiny eastern chipmunk running at upwards of 20 miles per hour.
KEEPING CATS INDOORS HELPS SAVE BIRDS
It is estimated that 100 million free-ranging and feral cats patrol backyards and wildlands across the county. These feline predators are responsible for the deaths of 1.3 to 4 billion birds annually. A single cat is capable of catching 48 birds per year.
The problem of free-ranging cats capturing wild birds is just acute in all states. In Georgia, more than 24 percent of our households share their homes with at least one of these furry friends. By keeping our cats indoors, we will literally save the lives of millions of birds. Meanwhile we will extend the length of our cats will be beloved members of our households. One study found that free-ranging cats typically live only two to five years. In comparison, those felines that live indoors live 17 years or more.
With that in mind, if you share your life with a cat and love birds too, consider not letting your cat(s) roam free.
BACKYARD SECRET: DEALING WITH SQUIRRELS EATING SUET AT FEEDERS
If you are having a problem with gray squirrels eating more than their share of suet, here is something you might want to try. Typically, squirrels prefer eating suet laced with peanut butter and peanuts. If this is the case in your backyard, simply replace the peanut butter suet with plain suet. While birds will eat it, it seems that bushytails are not particularly fond of plain suet. While this solution might not work in all backyards, this simple, inexpensive approach to this problem just might work for you.
THE 5-7-9 RULE DOESN’T WORK FOR BLOGGER
In my last blog for 2025, I wrote about the 5-7-9 rule. These recommendations relate to the ideal location for a bird feeder. The rule simply states that feeders should placed 5 feet off the ground, 7 feet away from structures such as fences, shrubs and trees, and in a spot 9 feet below an overhanging limb. In the posting, I asked for feedback from anyone that has erected a feeder following these parameters.
To date, only one individual has been kind enough to share his experiences. Here is what John Kelly says about what happened when he place a feeder in his yard following the rule, “I have a feeder that met all of those criteria, but squirrels didn’t have any problem dropping 10 feet from an overhanging limb and landing on the feeder. They could easily grab onto the rough wood top. So, I covered the top with smooth metal, painted it with slippery paint, and waxed it. It was hilarious to watch them hit the top and slide right off.”
I want to thank John for sharing his experiences with us. If you have experimented with placing feeder in your yard using the 5-7-9 rule, please share your findings with us.
BACKYARD SECRET – ARMADILLOS DON’T HIBERNATE
Since armadillos are rarely, if ever, seen scampering around our yards when it is cold, it is easy to assume they hibernate. In truth, they do not hibernate.
Since they are essentially hairless, they have a rough time keeping their bodies warm during frigid weather. Consequently, the only way they can keep warm on cold winter days is to retreat to burrows dug in the ground. Once the air temperature rises, these odd mammals leave their warm hideaways and resume searching for insects and worms.
BACKYARD SECRET – FROGS CANNOT VOMIT
When we eat something that does not agree with us, our bodies often cause us to vomit up the food that is causing us problems. Once the foul food is expelled from our bodies, we are well on the way to feeling much better. Such is not the case with frogs—they cannot vomit.
When a frog consumes a moth, beetle or other critter that causes it to suffer from gastric they use a far more bizarre technique to alleviate its problem. Believe it or not, they actually expel their entire stomach through their mouth. This behavior is called gastric inversion. Once the stomach is outside the frog’s body, the frog uses its forelegs to clean out whatever caused its stomach distress. When the unwanted material is removed and the frog retracts its stomach it goes on its way. 
As much as I dislike vomiting, I am certain I prefer it to gastric inversion.
BACKYARD SECRET – HEADBOBBING HELPS GREEN ANOLES SELECT MATES
In the natural world, females select their mates in many ways. Interestingly, in the world of the green anole, the males that bob their heads the most often are the ones that are most likely to get a chance to breed with females.
OUR MOST BEAUTIFUL COCKROACH
If there was ever a contest to crown Georgia’s most beautiful cockroach, I am certain that the winner would be the pale-bordered field cockroach (Pseudomops septentrionalis). I never thought that it is impossible to describe a cockroach is being beautiful. Then a few days ago, I just happened to find a pale-bordered field cockroach. When I first looked at it, it appeared to be a bauble that had fallen of a necklace or bracelet. Upon closer examination, I saw the object had six legs and was adorned with a distinctive pattern that was far different from any cockroach I have ever seen.
This cockroach is small (1/2 to 5/8 inches long). Unlike the cockroaches we are familiar with, it rarely ventures into our homes. Instead, it remains outside living its life in the thick cover found in our backyards, gardens, and natural areas. It is particularly fond of mulch, and woodpiles. It is a scavenger that spends the daylight hours feeding on the juices of low-growing plants and flowers. Fortunately, it does not damage plants nor is a garden pest. In addition, unlike other cockroaches, they are not known to carry any diseases that can infect humans.
This insect is not native to the United States. Instead, its home range includes Mexico and Costa Rica. Interestingly, some experts believe it was accidentally brought here in shipments of bananas.
If you spot a pale-bordered field cockroach in your backyard, I suspect that you might exclaim, “It is the most beautiful cockroach I have ever seen!”
