Veon ecologists came upon this elevated feeding platform which is being used by red squirrels. Red squirrels prefer to dine off the ground on elevated feeding platforms for several reasons related to their natural behaviours, habitat preferences, and survival strategies.
Dining off the ground helps the squirrels avoid predators such as foxes, cats, and certain birds of prey. Elevated platforms give them a safer vantage point and reduce the risk of surprise attacks. Red squirrels are naturally arboreal, and their anatomy and behaviour are adapted to climbing and navigating through tree canopies, making elevated feeding more comfortable and natural for them.
By eating off the ground, the squirrels can better protect their food from ground-dwelling competitors and scavengers and monitor their surroundings more effectively.
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