National Squirrel Appreciation Day was started in 2001 by Christy Hargrove in Asheville, North Carolina. Hargrove is a wildlife rehabilitation specialist and wanted to draw attention to squirrels, even though they can sometimes be a nuisance by cracking into bird feeders and eating all their contents. However, despite their troublesome reputation, squirrels actually make a positive impact on the environment—in their attempt to stow away nuts for later, squirrels actually end up planting trees.Animal Crossing: New Horizonshas some bushy-tailed friends to help players appreciate squirrels today.
Animal Crossing: New Horizonswasn’t the firstAnimal Crossinggame to introduce squirrels, but it does have some standout squirrel characters worth celebrating. Every player has their own favorite villagers, but of course a few stand out a hair above the rest. Today, on National Squirrel Appreciation Day, it’s important to celebrate the best of the best squirrels inAnimal Crossing: New Horizons, listed in no particular order.
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Marshal
Marshal originally made hisAnimal Crossingdebut inNew Leaf, but has also been featured inPocket Campand, most recently,New Horizons. Personality-wise, he’s categorized as “smug,” and so far is the only smug squirrelin theAnimal Crossingseries. His home inNew Horizonsis cafe-themed, including things like a coffee grinder and espresso maker. Though he looks a bit tough, Marshal gets along well with most villagers and quickly works his way into players’ hearts.
Poppy
This adorable squirrel first made her debut inAnimal Crossing: City Folk, but reappeared inNew Leaf,Happy Home Designer, andPocket Campbefore returning inNew Horizons. Her look is absolutely adorable, and she’s got a “normal” personality, meaning she’s easier to befriend than most other villagers and may only conflict with “cranky” and “sisterly” personality types.Poppy’s home inNew Horizonsis very autumnal and calm, featuring items from the Log Set along with other DIY recipe items.
Sylvana
Though Sylvana made her debut inAnimal Crossing e+, one of the originalAnimal Crossinggames, she was notably absent from the series untilAnimal Crossing: New Leaf. She’s also inPocket Camp, and has a cherry blossom-themed home inNew Horizons. Sylvana has a “normal” personality just like Poppy, and her name comes from Latin meaning “of the forest,” which may be a reference to her squirrel species. Despite being absent from a few titles, this squirrel is undoubtedlyone of the best inAnimal Crossing: New Horizons.
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Filbert
Filbert is one of the original squirrels ofAnimal Crossing, featured in the original game and every subsequent game afterward. He’s also featured on the cover ofAnimal Crossing: New Horizons. The only “lazy” squirrel inAnimal Crossing, Filbert will mostly get along with the other villagers, except maybe those with the “jock” or “snooty” personalities. InNew Horizons, Filbert’s home is space-themed, but has a certain dreamy quality to it. Filbert enjoys relaxing and food, which is probably why he’s a fan favoriteAnimal Crossingsquirrel.
Peanut
Much like Filbert, Peanut has appeared ineveryAnimal Crossinggame to date. She’s got a “peppy” personality, so she’s easy to get along with and very upbeat. Sometimes, if players aren’t careful, Peanut is prone to getting upset during conversations. However, her short attention span remedies this issue fairly quickly. Peanut pretty much gets along with every villager, except perhaps “cranky” and “snooty” personalities. HerNew Horizonshome is very pink and pretty, complete with a canopy bed.
Though these aren’t the only squirrelvillagers inAnimal Crossing: New Horizons, they are the best squirrel villagers to celebrate National Squirrel Appreciation Day with. Even if they haven’t visited players’ islands yet, these adorable squirrels are sure to delight whenever they do come around.
Animal Crossing: New Horizonsis available now for the Nintendo Switch.
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