Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Red Squirrel Sitting on Pine Tree Branch" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor painting on Illustration Board.

Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.

This painting was originally published on the First Day Cover for the U.S. 29c Red Squirrel Self-Adhesive stamp issued June 25, 1993. No wild animals are more familiar to city dwellers than the ubiquitous squirrels. Common throughout North America, these bushy-tailed rodents are often seen in urban areas, where they frequent parks and can become nearly tame. Many a bold squirrel will even approach humans to beg for a tasty handout. Curious and entertaining, these semi-tame animals are often rewarded for their efforts. Yet no matter how much food the squirrels gather, they always seem to be looking for more. Squirrels are notorious boarders, hiding food in hollow trees and even underground. In fact, many trees are thought to be planted when a forgetful squirrel buries a nut which later germinates. The relationship between squirrels and nut trees is almost symbiotic. By burying nuts and then forgetting them, squirrels assure future generations of their kind nutritious food source. Folklore about squirrels and their habit of hiding surplus food abounds. Over the centuries, men have believed that when squirrels hide more food than normal, a harsh winter is on the way. Taking the cue, they too would save extra food for the cold months ahead. It was once thought that squirrels slept all winter but, in fact, most species are not true hibernators. They're simply less visible in the winter because they sleep for longer periods. Yet on a sunny midwinter day, energetic squirrels often emerge to explore their snow-covered surroundings.

Image Size: 17 x 15 in.
Overall Size: 21 x 19 in.
Unframed. (B14400)

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