You’re walking around campus as the school year begins. At Eucalyptus Grove are two fluffy, chunky fox squirrels who linger near you while you walk. You spot a ladybug gliding by you. Then, sauntering down a trail near Valley Life Sciences Building, a western fence lizard darts across the ground in front of your feet. Finally, as you approach the BART station in Downtown Berkeley, a cooing pigeon flies down from somewhere and a crow caws in the background.
Many locals befriend these critters. Have you ever wondered how to emulate these whimsical creatures’ fascinating lives in the outdoors? I know I have, so you’re in luck. Based on your personality, I’ll assign you a furry, feathery or scaly friend to become!
Fox squirrel
You’re running to class at Dwinelle Hall, feeling a little hungry. You’re a foodie at heart; you love trying restaurants around Berkeley, from Top Dog to Noodle Dynasty and Cheese Board Collective. You also have a special affinity for nuts and seeds. Congratulations, you seem best aligned with the Berkeley fox squirrel!
These little guys are common around campus, and are maybe not so little when filled with food and sporting round tummies. You might often spot these animals on your campus strolls.
To become one with these squirrels, start your day with a trip to Trader Joe’s and buy a myriad of nuts and seeds. Hang by a squirrel spot like Eucalyptus Grove and have adorable fox squirrels get used to your presence! You can pass the time munching and working on that ENGLISH R1B assignment. With your cheeks full of food, you’ll fit right in.
And, before you know it, you’ve become part of the Berkeley squirrel community.
Ladybug
You adore looking your best — you often strut on Sproul Plaza with all eyes on you. You’re also into political activism and journalism, loving campus groups like The Daily Californian! With all of your passion, you gain attention, and to me, you sound like a ladybug!
Ladybugs’ adorable larvae pop up in the grass across Memorial Glade during the summer and fall. Then, all grown-up, the bright-red, elegant insects will be flying around campus March to July! You’re always sure to spot these critters that bring a smile to your face.
To be like ladybugs, you need to be mysterious — these insects only intentionally fly to humans when offered their favorite plants. Pop up in random parts of campus to emulate their sudden appearances! And as ladybugs love plants such as dandelions, sunflowers, cilantro and parsley, now’s the time to practice your gardening. You can volunteer at any public garden, or even the UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley. After hours of curated outfits and immersive nature experiences, voilà, you’re a ladybug!
Western fence lizard
You’re flighty, a fast walker tailgating students. In a perpetual hurry, you dart between clubs and classes across campus, from Haas School of Business to VLSB! Always running late, the western fence lizard understands you!
Common on campus, these reptiles can often be uncovered in plant-heavy spots, gliding past your feet or resting on a tree trunk. While great sunbathers, this species also eradicates Lyme disease in ticks; they love to keep busy!
Taking part in a lizard lifestyle is difficult and not the same as squirrels, so make sure you’re up for the challenge. Spend time in a lizard-friendly spot, such as the Women’s Faculty Club, to admire these creatures’ quick pace. The lizard’s fast strides are a perfect example of how to arrive at class on time or swiftly navigate Dwinelle’s confusing floor plan. Perhaps not your usual human diet, insects and arachnids are favorites of these lizards. So maybe it’s time to get over your fear of spiders and join the lizard community!
Pigeon
You’re a fun person who loves hanging out in a crowd. Always at parties and fraternities lining Southside, everyone knows you! You seem to be the social pigeon that parades through Downtown Berkeley and Telegraph. Adorable, silly and sometimes bold, these birds deserve a little love — and happen to be my favorite.
Find these birds in any urban area near campus! They often appear in groups, so you can’t miss them!
Becoming a pigeon is easy! These intelligent birds can actually recognize humans. Along with this, they’re extremely food-motivated, and aren’t we all? To emulate pigeon habits, spend time people-watching at a popular local cafe, such as Caffè Strada or Cafe Milano. Bring your favorite grains to peck on just as a pigeon does. Now’s the chance to make new friends, just how these shy critters approach locals they’ve learned to trust. Congratulations on understanding the adorable Berkeley pigeons!
Crow
You love going shopping and antiquing around Berkeley, from Anastasia’s to Goodwill. You’re big on collections, and everything you buy is cherished. Anything sparkly is your jam.
Wait, are you a crow?
This is a common bird we’ve all seen, but they are actually one of the smartest. Crows can pop up anywhere, from urban areas to a tree.
Eggs, cashews and unsalted nuts are their guilty pleasure, and now these foods are yours too! Just like shy crows who need their space, pass your time with long strolls around stores, sporting your flashy jewelry collections. Perhaps wear a dark trenchcoat as you grace Berkeley with your admirable fashion skills. And, maybe sending a “caw” out into the air will truly connect you to the Berkeley crow.
With the start of the school year, it’s time to meet friends in class, but if all else fails, the critters are who to emulate! Hopefully this article can spark new, budding communities in the outdoors for everyone.