11 minute read
Wing & Things
from The Lowdown
Get to know your local squirrels
BY CORINNE STREMMEL STAFF WRITER
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When you look out in your backyard and spot the unmistakable bushy tail darting across the lawn, you may not realize it, but you’re getting a look at an important member of Minnesota’s ecology. Squirrels’ friendly dispositions offer more than just a chuckle for us backyard observers: watching squirrels is a helpful way to learn about our environment and instill an appreciation for nature.
As Scott Noland of the Minnesota DNR explained, “They’re kind of a gateway species into the environmental world that people get to see pretty frequently.”
Gray, red, fox, ground and two species of fl ying squirrels can be found yearround throughout the state. While gray squirrels are probably the ones you’ve seen digging up lawns and misappropriating birdseed, here’s a short guide to spotting each of the six different species found in Minnesota.
The Eastern gray squirrel is the most common squirrel seen in the northeast metro. They’re known for their bushy tails, which are about 8 to 10 inches in length, or roughly the same length as their bodies. The gray squirrel can be spotted in hardwood forests, wooded parks and residential areas. Gray squirrels are some of the few animals that thrive in areas where houses break up natural woodlands.
The fl ying squirrel is more elusive than the other species. This nocturnal squirrel can “fl y,” thanks to a fold of skin spanning from its front to hind feet. When their legs are outstretched, their skin turns into a planing surface that allows them to take “fl ight” as far as 50 feet. There are two species of fl ying squirrel in Minnesota: the Southern fl ying squirrel and the Northern fl ying squirrel. They can be spotted by their brown bug-eyes, olive-brown backs and white bellies, and their silky soft fur.
“We do get some calls about them in the northeast metro. People will call in and say they saw a fl ying squirrel, which is really cool. Some people might see them if they’re doing tree removal or they’re just seeing them during their dawn and dusk hours,” said Noland.
The fox squirrel isn’t as common as the gray squirrel, but they make themselves known by their large size. Fox squirrels can weigh up to 3 pounds and range from 20 to 24 inches in length. Their tails measure about 10 inches in length. Fox squirrels can be found in the northeast metro, but they’re most common in the western part of the state.
The red squirrel — otherwise known as the pine squirrel — is Minnesota’s noisiest species of squirrel. These squirrels have a tendency to chatter while humans are nearby. They have a rust-red back and tail and a white belly. The name “pine squirrel” comes from their habitat of coniferous woods throughout the nation’s snowbelt and into the mountainous regions of Canada.
The 13-lined ground squirrel is commonly known as the Minnesota gopher. These ground squirrels can be spotted skittering across the state’s grasslands and have taken over agricultural lands as well. The eponymous squirrel has exactly 13 stripes on its back and has golden fur, just like its famous namesake, the University of Minnesota’s mascot, Goldy Gopher.
These six species have a number of ways to make it through the harsh Minnesota winter.
To preserve energy, they limit their time of activity in the winter. They don’t hibernate like other animals, but they tend to stay within the confi nes of their nest when the temperatures drop.
“During the really cold times, they’ll stay up in their nest with other squirrels so they have additional body heat,” Noland said. Like humans, squirrels will shiver when they're cold. Their layer of thick fur also helps them stay warm in extremely low temperatures.
In autumn, squirrels begin building up their fat reserves and collecting and storing their food for the winter in tree cavities. Noland explains that to humans, it might feel like squirrels don’t have enough food to survive the winter.
“We tell folks there is plenty of food for them in the natural environment for these critters to live here. That's how they’ve been able to survive.”
Backyard feeding has led to an abundance of squirrels in the metro, but Noland recommends keeping wildlife wild. However, if you do have the urge to feed your backyard residents, it is best to research your city’s ordinances before feeding.
Squirrels remain prolifi c in the northeast metro and, unlike other wildlife in Minnesota, there haven’t been any disease-related incidences in the squirrel population. Since squirrels thrive in urban and suburban environments, there are plenty of opportunities for humans to learn more about their fellow Minnesota residents.
“It’s a way that people are learning about them and instilling a kind of value and land ethic and concern, plus an interest in wildlife too,” Noland noted. “And of course, they’re pretty fun and comical too.”
LINA-N FROM UNSPLASH | CONTRIBUTED
White Squirrel.
Staff Writer Corinne Stremmel can be reached at lowdownnews@presspubs.com or 651-407-1226.
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radon in homes is a common and preventable cancer risk
Of all the unwelcome house guests you may ever host, few are as nasty as radon.
The colorless, odorless gas occurs naturally in Minnesota soils and is found at elevated levels in nearly 40 percent of all homes in the state. It also is the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers. Each year, radon kills more than 21,000 people across the country. While there are cheap and easy ways to test for radon, many people are unaware of the risks and may not be getting the help they need to be safe.
The radon risk is largely preventable through testing homes and eliminating radon problems through improved ventilation and other measures. With more people working from home, it’s more important than ever to test homes for radon, because testing is the only way to know if a home has radon levels at or above the level that presents a health risk.
During January, Radon Action Month, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is making a special push to urge everyone to test their home for radon.
“Unfortunately, many people are still exposed to high levels of radioactive radon without being aware of it, and this puts them at increased risk for lung cancer,” said Dan Tranter, supervisor of the MDH Indoor Air Program. “We’ve heard a lot of common misunderstandings that discourage people from testing their home for radon.”
For example, many people think their home does not need to be tested, or that if they test once they don’t need to test again, or if their neighbor’s radon level is low, they don’t need to test.
Testing should be conducted in all homes, regardless of foundation type, soil type, age, presence of an air exchanger or insulation, Tranter said. Even if the initial test shows the radon level is low, it’s a good idea to retest at least every fi ve years because levels may change. Homes with mitigation systems should also be retested. The monitors on mitigation systems do not show the radon level, so it’s important to retest at least every two years. New homes are built with radon-resistant features, but they can still have elevated radon and should be tested.
MDH is partnering with local public health departments and other organizations to make test kits available to all Minnesotans at low or no cost. Participating agencies and vendors can be found at health.state. mn.us/communities/environment/ air/radon/radontestresults.html.
Hardware stores may also stock test kits. Licensed professionals can also conduct testing.
To help residents get a more accurate picture of radon levels in Minnesota, MDH developed a series of maps showing information about radon in Minnesota, available at mndatamaps.web.health.state. mn.us/interactive/radon.html. Some of the key fi ndings were: • The average radon level in
Minnesota homes is about 4.5 pCi/L compared to 1.3 pCi/L nationwide. • Only about 1% to 2% of homes in
Minnesota are tested annually; health offi cials recommend that at least 20% be tested annually. • Testing and mitigation are less frequent in communities with lower incomes and more renters.
Health professionals recommend testing for radon during real estate transactions. Sellers must disclose any prior radon testing and provide a two-page publication to buyers under state law. Radon tests should be incorporated into a home inspection.
Tests should be done in the lowest level of the home that is frequently occupied. Test devices are usually placed in the home for two to fi ve days. The best time to test is during the heating season, but testing can be done year-round.
In homes with high radon levels, radon reduction typically involves installing a venting pipe and fan to pull the gas from under the home to the outside. Professionals conducting radon mitigation must be licensed by MDH, follow standards and affi x an MDH tag to the system. A list of licensed radon mitigation professionals can be found on the MDH website: health.state.mn.us/ communities/environment/air/ radon/mitigation.html
MDH conducts free inspections of radon mitigation systems installed after June 1, 2020. The inspections ensure systems were installed correctly, to make sure they meet minimum requirements. Contact the MDH Indoor Air Unit to request an inspection at health.indoorair@state. mn.us.
More information about radon in Minnesota is available on the MDH website at Radon in Homes or by calling the MDH Indoor Air Unit at 651-201-4601 or 1-800-798-9050.
From press release
Limitless Cycling receives grant to enhance community well-being
ConTRiBUTEd
a Van raam Chat ricksaw bicycle.
STILLWATER — The recipient of this year's Stillwater Area Community Foundation’s (SACF) $15,000 fall grant is River Valley Trails for Limitless Cycling. Early this summer, Limitless Cycling will implement a unique model of sharing adaptive bicycles within area communities. Its free service will be available to area senior living facility residents and nonprofi t organizations serving veteran and disabled communities.
The Stillwater area offers an array of bike-friendly trails. Despite this, trail-related opportunities are often out of reach for seniors, disabled veterans and other less physically abled individuals.
Limitless Cycling will utilize the SACF grant dollars for phase one of its project — the purchase of a Van Raam Chat rickshaw bicycle. Trained volunteers will “pilot” the bicycle to provide a social outdoor experience for one to two riders. Its reach will be broadened over the next year with the addition of an enclosed trailer and two more bicycles — a two-person side-by-side and a ride specifi cally designed for a wheelchair user.
From press release
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