Squirrels Use Snakeskin Cologne

Researchers from UC-Davis observed two species of squirrel picking up rattlesnake skin, chewing it, and spreading it on their fur. The squirrels appear to be smearing themselves with snake scent in order to avoid being sniffed out by predators. The snake smell can mask the squirrel’s own scent, or convince a squirrel-craving serpent that another snake is around. The scent-masking behavior is carried out most often by female squirrels and juveniles, which are more vulnerable to predation than male squirrels.

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