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 Horizons has some bushy-tailed friends to help players appreciate squirrels today.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons wasn’t the first Animal Crossing game 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 in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, listed in no particular order.
Marshal
Marshal originally made his Animal Crossing debut in New Leaf, but has also been featured in Pocket Camp and, most recently, New Horizons. Personality-wise, he’s categorized as “smug,” and so far is the only smug squirrel in the Animal Crossing series. His home in New Horizons is 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 in Animal Crossing: City Folk, but reappeared in New Leaf, Happy Home Designer, and Pocket Camp before returning in New 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 in New Horizons is very autumnal and calm, featuring items from the Log Set along with other DIY recipe items.
Sylvana
Though Sylvana made her debut in Animal Crossing e+, one of the original Animal Crossing games, she was notably absent from the series until Animal Crossing: New Leaf. She’s also in Pocket Camp, and has a cherry blossom-themed home in New 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 undoubtedly one of the best in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
Filbert
Filbert is one of the original squirrels of Animal Crossing, featured in the original game and every subsequent game afterward. He’s also featured on the cover of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The only “lazy” squirrel in Animal Crossing, Filbert will mostly get along with the other villagers, except maybe those with the “jock” or “snooty” personalities. In New 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 favorite Animal Crossing squirrel.
Peanut
Much like Filbert, Peanut has appeared in every Animal Crossing game 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. Her New Horizons home is very pink and pretty, complete with a canopy bed.
Though these aren’t the only squirrel villagers in Animal 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 Horizons is available now for the Nintendo Switch.
