Sibling rivalry

[Mel1959]

Having not had a lot of experience with the dynamics of squirrel relationships, I wanted to seek input from others with more knowledge. As you know Peeps got into a fight over the weekend with wounds on his neck and arm. These are healing well. Since that time I have noticed a less aggressive and more timid Peeps. He had been the more dominant squirrel in the yard, even towards his brother. He began acting this way a few months ago when I suspected he had reached full maturity. Since his fight I have noticed him being chased by another male, but also his brother, to a lesser extent. When treats were given out and both brothers were there to get them Peeps asserted himself to get the nut first and his brother obliged. It's the opposite now.

So my questions are: Do siblings reach maturity at different times? Could this be a case of Nibbs taking over the dominant place in the yard? Or is Peeps just gunshot since the fight was so recent? Does this dominant position change periodically? What is the likelihood that Nibbs could have been the one to fight with Peeps? They are still friends and sleep together and coexist fine when nuts aren't involved.

Squirrel relationships are very confusing!:confused::confused:

[Cubby]

What is the likelihood that Nibbs could have been the one to fight with Peeps? They are still friends and sleep together and coexist fine when nuts aren't involved.
I'm still learning about squirrel relationships and hierarchies, but one thing I do know is that all bets are off when food is around, especially yummy treats like nuts. :grin2

I've observed from watching my wild fuzzers that dominance can change sometimes. There is one male who I used to see get chased around a lot, then after an accident or a fight that left him with a stump for a tail he seemed to have had enough and started asserting himself more...I regularly see him chasing off other squirrels now! My long-time favourite wild Smudgy still seems to be top alpha male squirrel, although I see him challenged more than he used to be...perhaps because he's getting old. :(

They are endlessly fascinating to watch. :Love_Icon