News & Observer | newsobserver.com | Scapes: 2006

SCAPES.HM.032406.JRR
May 20, 2006 Staff photo by John Rottet [/assets/story/image_buynow.comp]
Squirrels are about as common in North Carolina as ants at a picnic. But, for such a common creature, the Eastern Gray Squirrel, has uncommon roots in our history and culture. Any kid who made it through the fourth grade in North Carolina can tell you the Eastern Gray Squirrel is the official North Carolina state mammal. Some kids (and adults who once were kids) may recall the song Gray Squirrel (ěGray squirrel, gray squirrel shake your bushy tail...î to see complete lyrics and here a sample, go to http://www.peterandellen.com/lyrics/squirrel.htm). And, though they broke up several years ago, The Squirrel Nut Zippers were one of the coolest bands to ever come out of Chapel Hill. Remember all of this the next time a squirrel steals from your bird feeder or decides to make a nest in your nice, warm attic. For more information, go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Gray_Squirrel http://www.yptenc.org.uk/docs/factsheets/animal_facts/grey_squirrel.html

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