A HERMIT'S WILD FRIENDS 



territory which the reds claim the right to 

 hold and protect. 



Four-footed wild animals, with a few excep- 

 tions, own farms, gardens, or house-lots. That 

 is, they hold exclusive control over a limited 

 area around their nesting sites. You seldom 

 see two woodchuck holes near each other, or 

 two rabbit burrows. The red squirrel runs 

 a fruit farm. He owns and controls trees 

 that bear nuts or cones, and other reds respect 

 his rights, and do not invade his territory 

 unless there is a famine. A red squirrel will 

 fight savagely for his home and property, 

 and usually drives all intruders from his 

 domain. 



Young squirrels remain with their parents 

 through the first winter, but in April the 

 female turns the family over to the male, and 

 makes another nest of moss, leaves, and dry 

 grass in the top of a tall pine or hemlock-tree. 

 While she is engaged by new duties, the male 

 looks after the young squirrels that are now 

 full grown. He finishes their education, and 

 locates the young males on territory which 

 76 



