There is hardly anyone who hasn't seen a squirrel. They are cute, ever-so-energetic, and furry animals, that are found almost all over the world, excluding the polar regions.
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The word Sciuridae literally means ‘shade-tailed' and highlights the big bushy tail possessed by many of its members, which is used to shadow their whole body.
ranging in size from the African pygmy squirrel at 710 cm (2.83.9 in) in length and just 10 g (0.35 oz) in weight, to the Alpine marmot, which is 5373 cm (2129 in) long and weighs from 5 to 8 kg (11 to 18 lb). Squirrels typically have slender bodies with bushy tails and large eyes. In general, their fur is soft and silky, although much thicker in some species than others. The color of squirrels is highly variable betweenand often even withinspecies
The gray squirrel is the most common type that is found in America. This species can definitely be called old, as they have been around for more than 35 million years.
Rather than actually flying, these species glide using a membrane which stretches from their wrists to their ankles. It allows squirrels to glide naturally like humans do with the aid of a parachute.
They are known to put on elaborate bogus food burying displays to deceive onlookers. The fake burials are to trick potential thieves, such as other squirrels or birds, into thinking that they have stored their food stock there. Any observers planning on taking the stash will then focus on the bogus burial site, allowing the squirrel to bury the real stash elsewhere safely.
They also use their tails as a signalling device, twitching it when uneasy to alert other squirrels of potential danger.
This is a common characteristic of other rodents, as well. The word "rodent" actually derives from the Latin "rodere," which means to gnaw.
When squirrels feel threatened, they run away in a zigzag pattern. This is an incredibly useful strategy to escape hawks and other predators. Unfortunately, it doesn't work so well on cars. Consider slowing down and giving squirrels a brake!
Putting on some extra weight is one strategy squirrels use to stay warm during the cold winter months.
They are very territorial and will fight to the death to defend their area. Mother squirrels are the most vicious when defending their babies.
Many people think that squirrels only eat nuts, but this isn't true. Squirrels are omnivores, which means they like to eat plants and meat. Squirrels mainly eat fungi, seeds, nuts and fruits, but they will also munch on eggs, small insects, caterpillars, small animals and even young snakes.
For example, a squirrel has padded feet that cushions jumps from up to 20 feet (6 meters) long. Their eyes are high on their head and placed on each side of the head so they can see a large amount of their surroundings without having to turn their head. They are also fantastic runners. Squirrels can run 20 mph (32 kph).
