Squirrels are super cute rodents that have been firm favourites among human beings for centuries. They are so beloved, in fact, that British colonialists introduced European squirrels to parks and home gardens in the colonies of the 18th and 19th centuries. Unfortunately, these foreign squirrels often posed a threat to the local squirrel population but this fact wasn’t realised until it was too late to recapture all of the European squirrels. Nowadays, squirrels continue to delight people with their fluffy tails, cheeky chittering and fluid running style.
A bright orange watercolour squirrel leaps across this guy’s shoulder in this artistic tattoo by Magda from Ink Miners. The colours used are as fun as squirrels themselves are. [source]
The Meaning and Symbolism of Squirrel Tattoos
Squirrels are most famous for collecting and hoarding nuts for winter. Because of this, they are a symbol of preparedness. However, squirrels hide their hoards in so many different places that they often forget where some of their stashes are, so in this sense, squirrels can be a warning not to over-prepare and confuse yourself with too many safeguards.
In this tattoo of a squirrel eating a nut, artist Angharad Chappelle has created an appealingly organic silhouette for the squirrel and filled the design with endearing, storybook colours. Perhaps this squirrel was one of the few who struck it lucky and found one of his forgotten stashes. [source]
Loyalty Tattoo Studio in Barcelona has created this elegant and illustrative tattoo design of a squirrel carrying nuts to his hiding place. [source]
Squirrels are often seen scampering about, even frolicking. No creature can frolic quite like a happy squirrel. Because of this, squirrels have come to symbolise playfulness and fun because while they take their job of collecting nuts very seriously, they also take time to socialise, relax and play. In tattoos, this playfulness can be symbolised not only with the design, but also with colour.
Sandra Daukshta creates a whimsical fantasy tattoo by giving this squirrel a pair of colourful butterfly wings. [source]
This cheeky squirrel looks like he’s about to tell a dirty joke in this colourful tattoo by Mo Mori. [source]
A squirrel, an owl and a fox feature in this colourful geometric tattoo by Amanda Chanfreau. The bright colour scheme emphasises the child-like adoration that people have for creatures of the forest. [source]
Squirrel Tattoos to Show Off Your Fun Side
There are few people who dislike squirrels. Sure, some people think they are a bit of a menace but most people find them to be lovable and funny to watch. Because of this, there is very little in the way of negative connotation with squirrels. They have come to symbolise the lighter aspects of life such as humour, companionship, mischief and fun. Take a look at the following tattoos for more inspiration and ideas for your own squirrel tattoo.
This black ink dotwork tattoo by Suflanda showcases the artist’s style, which resembles the type of illustrations you would expect to find in a storybook. This playful tattoo shows the squirrel sitting on a flying Christmas ornament while holding a cocktail umbrella. [source]
Tattoo artist Gibb0o brings the fun to this squirrel tattoo design by giving the rodent a cute expression and bright colours. [source]
The epitome of cute has to be a little squirrel sleeping among blackberries after a long day of playing and scampering. Tattoo artist Lenara Nerpa has captured the moment perfectly in this colourful and artistic tattoo. [source]
