[Crow Feather]

I think I learned everything I need to know about monogamy in 10th grade English Lit: Higamus hogamus, woman is monogamus;
Hogamus higamus, man is poligamus.

Can't remember who wrote it but I remembered the important part.
Crow Feather

 

[Crow Feather]

Not to get to far I get the first one when it stops and it falls and hangs in the vines the other runs down a limb and its trying to breed the one hung in the vines, I kill it and here comes three more right to the one hanging in the vines I ended up killing five coming to her trying to breed her Yes they were all bores. Never did get the female out of the vines

.22Man, I had some kind of gross comment about getting off on that dying quiver but I think I'll just skip it.
Crow Feather

 

[Henry4994]

Around the pecan trees in my yard, I try to make their life as short as possible. A pellet gun does a fine job.

 

[patience0830]

I understand all the Biology

I just figure the ones we shoot in the act were at least temporarily monogamous. There have been more than a few tail-less bipeds monogamized that way when Hubby came home early too. At least I hear stories to that effect.

 

[patience0830]

wow

Nope, they're just like people in that respect. The male chases the female until he gets what he wants and then it's over.
Crow Feather

You're such a cynic, C/F

 

[Guest]

Well, not to get bogged down with semantics, but to clarify: There are 2 forms of monogamy in the animal kingdom, genetic monogamy and social monogamy. Genetic monogamy would include mating for purposes of reproduction and being sexually exclusive. There is no evidence to suggest squirrels practice genetic monogamy since the female is left to care for the offspring without the help of the male, and will seek out another male once the litter has been weaned. Social monogamy or "pairing" as mentioned above, involves mutual cooperation and most definitely occurs for reasons that have been stated in previous posts. Social monogamy is however temporary, extending the course of a season or several seasons, but there is no evidence to suggest that squirrels are socially monogamous for life.

Thank you for the clarification. Also, is this true even if "life expectancy" is only three years? So if they pair for two of their three years, is that considered mating for life?

Finally, males will help carry leaves for summer nests and I have also seen them carrying debri into cavities, both of which are occupied by multiple squirrels. Assuming both sexes use the nests, is this not considered aiding the offspring? Granted he does not help feed them per se once born, but he does help build the nests which shelter them. That is investment on his part.

 

[HideHunter]

Granted he does not help feed them per se once born, but he does help build the nests which shelter them. That is investment on his part.

I think that's the squirrel equivalent of "buying her supper" first.

I'm with Squacks. I'm not buying into the "mate for life" thing - at least at this point.

Only thing I've noticed in regard to the male/female thing is a squirrel that is spending a lot of time in one small area will often be a female. One of the squirrels you see "traveling" for a couple hundred yards and then get lucky enough to kill will most often be a boar.

As someone around here used to say, "your mileage may vary".

 

[Oldgringo]

I ended up killing five coming to her trying to breed her Yes they were all bores. Never did get the female out of the vines

Not only were they bores but they were also quite rude.

 

[ammohog]

My last girlfriend was a little squirrel- ish. So to speak. :2p

 

[poison ivy]

Not only were they bores but they were also quite rude.

:silly: Funny!!!

 

[poison ivy]

QUOTE=[Muzzle Report;3035309]The easy solution... just shoot both, then neither is lonely. :AR15firin

Bag limits are usually even numbers, this MUST be why.[/QUOTE]

:yeahthat: :AR15firin

 

[22 man]

QUOTE=[Muzzle Report;3035309]The easy solution... just shoot both, then neither is lonely. :AR15firin

Bag limits are usually even numbers, this MUST be why.

:yeahthat: :AR15firin[/QUOTE]

When I have happened up on several chasing I try not to kill the one they are chasing but it is hard to do. Thats one of the reasons I keep track of males and females killed each year.Last year I killed about 2 males for every female. I am not sure about mating for life but I have noticed somewhat some of the things HH has mentioned. I really do not have time to hunt in late winter (due to coaching) but when I do get to get out many times around dens trees there always seems to be a pair and alot of times male female. during the fall when they seem to be feeding and several in the trees it is hard to apply the pair concept.

 

[xhair1970]

You could always just shoot both of them and not worry about it.