Diverse Species: There are over 200 species of squirrels worldwide, ranging in size from the tiny African pygmy squirrel, which measures just five inches long, to the Indian giant squirrel, which can grow up to three feet in length.
Excellent Climbers: Squirrels are incredibly agile climbers, thanks to their strong, muscular limbs and sharp claws. They can ascend trees with ease, using a combination of leaping, climbing, and scampering along branches.
Cheeky Food Storers: Squirrels are well-known for their habit of hoarding food for later consumption. They use their expandable cheek pouches to carry large quantities of nuts, seeds, and other food items back to their nests or burrows.
Variety of Diets: Squirrels are omnivorous animals with varied diets. While most species primarily feed on nuts, seeds, fruits, and berries, they may also consume insects, eggs, fungi, and even small vertebrates like birds or rodents.
Expert Jumpers: Squirrels are exceptional jumpers and can leap distances of up to ten times their body length. Their powerful hind legs and long tails help them achieve remarkable heights and lengths when jumping between trees or across gaps.
Rodent Relatives: Squirrels belong to the family Sciuridae, which also includes other rodent species such as chipmunks, marmots, and prairie dogs. Despite their rodent classification, squirrels are highly intelligent and adaptable animals.
Vocal Communicators: Squirrels use a variety of vocalizations to communicate with each other, including chirps, chatters, barks, and screeches. These vocalizations serve as warning signals to alert other squirrels of potential predators or threats in the area.