Connect with us

We Promise This Animal Is Not As Annoying As You May Think

Published

4 weeks ago

on

Squirrels are everywere. In most places, you cannot walk 10 steps without bumping into squirrel. These small mammals have the unique talent to climb trees and skillfully avoid their predators. Whether they’re burying nuts for winter or gliding through the air, squirrels are more interesting then you may think. Here are 25 facts about these super common critters.

Squirrels are rodents

Shutterstock

Shutterstock
Squirrels belong to the order Rodentia, the same group that includes mice and beavers. Rodents are characterized by their continuously growing incisors, and squirrels are no exception. These teeth help them gnaw on nuts, seeds, and even tough tree bark. Their classification as rodents places them in one of the most diverse and widespread mammalian orders.

There are over 200 species of squirrels

Shutterstock
Squirrels are incredibly diverse, with species varying in size, behavior, and habitat. They are generally grouped into tree squirrels, ground squirrels, and flying squirrels. This diversity allows them to adapt to many environments, from forests to deserts. Each species has unique adaptations to thrive in its particular ecosystem.

Squirrels are found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica

Shutterstock
Squirrels are native to most parts of the world except for two continents. They thrive in a range of environments, from temperate forests to urban parks. Their absence in Australia and Antarctica is due to their inability to migrate naturally across such vast distances. Human introduction has also been limited in these areas, keeping them squirrel-free zones.

They belong to the family Sciuridae

Shutterstock
Squirrels are part of the Sciuridae family, which also includes chipmunks, marmots, and prairie dogs. This family is characterized by small to medium-sized rodents with bushy tails. Members of this family share similar ecological roles, such as seed dispersal and burrow creation. Their evolutionary adaptations allow them to thrive in various environments worldwide.

Squirrels have four front teeth that never stop growing

Shutterstock
The four front teeth of squirrels grow continuously throughout their lives. This trait is essential for their survival, as it allows them to gnaw on hard surfaces like nuts and wood. Without regular use, their teeth could grow too long, causing health issues. This adaptation ensures their teeth are always sharp and functional for eating and nest building.

They bury nuts to store food for winter

Shutterstock
Squirrels are known for their habit of burying nuts to prepare for colder months. This behavior, called “caching,” helps them have a steady food supply during winter. Often, squirrels forget where they’ve buried some of the nuts, which helps new trees grow. This practice makes squirrels accidental but vital contributors to forest regeneration.

Squirrels can rotate their ankles 180 degrees

Shutterstock
One of the most remarkable physical adaptations of squirrels is their ability to rotate their ankles 180 degrees. This unique feature enables them to climb up and down trees with ease. The rotation gives them a firm grip even when descending headfirst. It is a critical trait that ensures their survival in arboreal habitats.

They are diurnal animals

Shutterstock
Squirrels are primarily diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. Their daily activities include foraging for food, building nests, and interacting with other squirrels. This behavior helps them avoid many nocturnal predators. However, some species, like flying squirrels, are exceptions and are nocturnal instead.

Squirrels have excellent vision

Shutterstock
Squirrels are equipped with exceptional vision, which is crucial for spotting predators and navigating their environment. Their eyes are positioned on the sides of their heads, giving them a wide field of view. They also have great depth perception, which helps them judge distances while jumping between branches. Their sharp eyesight is complemented by a natural ability to detect motion, keeping them alert at all times.

Their tails help them balance

Shutterstock
A squirrel’s bushy tail serves multiple important functions, with balance being a key one. As they leap from branch to branch or sprint along narrow surfaces, their tails act as a counterbalance. This helps them stay steady and avoid falls. Additionally, their tails provide warmth in winter and act as a signaling tool for communication with other squirrels.

Squirrels are known for their acrobatic climbing skills

Shutterstock
Squirrels are natural climbers and display impressive acrobatic abilities. They can scale vertical surfaces, leap between branches, and even navigate complex tree canopies. Their powerful legs and sharp claws give them the strength and grip needed for these feats. This agility not only helps them find food but also escape from predators.

They have a diet that includes nuts, seeds, fruits, and fungi

Shutterstock
Squirrels are primarily herbivores, with a diet rich in nuts, seeds, fruits, and fungi. They are opportunistic feeders and may occasionally eat insects or small animals if food is scarce. Their foraging behavior helps them store energy for colder months. This varied diet also makes them important players in seed dispersal and forest ecology.

Squirrels can fall from great heights without injury

Shutterstock
Squirrels are surprisingly resilient when it comes to falls. Their small size, light body, and fluffy tails allow them to slow down and control their descent. This enables them to survive falls from heights that would be dangerous for most other animals. Their acrobatic reflexes also help them grab onto branches mid-fall to avoid hitting the ground.

Their front paws are used for digging and holding food

Shutterstock
Squirrels have dexterous front paws that serve multiple purposes. These paws are equipped with sharp claws, making them effective digging tools for burying or uncovering food. They also function as hands, allowing squirrels to grasp and manipulate food while eating. This adaptability is crucial for their survival and makes them highly efficient foragers.

They communicate through vocalizations and tail movements

Shutterstock
Squirrels use a combination of sounds and tail movements to communicate with one another. Their vocalizations include chirps, squeaks, and even high-pitched warning calls to alert others of potential danger. Tail flicking is another common behavior used to signal aggression, alarm, or curiosity. These methods of communication help squirrels maintain social order and stay safe from predators.

Squirrels play a crucial role in seed dispersal

Shutterstock
By burying seeds and nuts, squirrels unintentionally aid in plant growth and forest regeneration. Many of the seeds they cache are never retrieved, giving them the opportunity to sprout into new plants. This process is especially beneficial for trees like oaks and pines, which depend on animals for seed dispersal. Squirrels’ natural behaviors make them essential contributors to maintaining healthy ecosystems.

They have been around for about 36 million years

Shutterstock
Fossil evidence suggests that squirrels have existed for approximately 36 million years. Their long evolutionary history highlights their adaptability and success as a species. Over millions of years, they have developed unique traits like tree-climbing and nut-burying to survive. These adaptations have allowed them to thrive in diverse environments across the globe.

Squirrels’ nests are called dreys

Shutterstock
Squirrels build nests, called dreys, typically in the forks of tree branches. These nests are constructed from twigs, leaves, and moss, providing warmth and shelter. Dreys are often small but sturdy, designed to protect squirrels from harsh weather and predators. Some species, like ground squirrels, create burrows instead of dreys for shelter.

Flying squirrels can glide over 150 feet

Shutterstock
Flying squirrels possess a unique adaptation: a membrane of skin called the patagium, which stretches between their limbs. This allows them to glide through the air, covering distances of over 150 feet. They use this ability to move between trees, escape predators, and forage for food. While they don’t actually fly, their gliding skills make them incredibly efficient in navigating forest canopies.

Some squirrels hibernate during winter

Shutterstock
Certain squirrel species, such as ground squirrels, enter hibernation during the winter months. During hibernation, their body temperature drops significantly, and their metabolic rate slows to conserve energy. This allows them to survive in cold climates where food is scarce. Tree squirrels, on the other hand, rely on their cached food stores rather than hibernating.

Squirrels can run up to 20 miles per hour

Shutterstock
Squirrels are remarkably fast runners, capable of reaching speeds up to 20 miles per hour. Their speed helps them escape predators and navigate their surroundings quickly. Combined with their agility, squirrels can make sharp turns and climb rapidly during a chase. This swiftness is essential for their survival, particularly in predator-rich environments.

Baby squirrels are born blind and hairless

Shutterstock
When baby squirrels are born, they are completely blind, hairless, and dependent on their mothers for care. It takes about three weeks for their fur to grow and their eyes to open. During this time, the mother squirrel is solely responsible for feeding and protecting them. By the time they are 8-10 weeks old, baby squirrels are ready to leave the nest and explore the world.

They can live up to 20 years in captivity

Shutterstock
In captivity, squirrels can live up to 20 years, significantly longer than their average lifespan in the wild. This extended lifespan is due to the absence of predators, consistent food supply, and veterinary care. In the wild, most squirrels live between 6 and 12 years, depending on the species. Captive environments provide safety and stability, contributing to their longevity.

Squirrels have a high metabolic rate

Shutterstock
Squirrels have an exceptionally high metabolic rate, which allows them to stay active and agile. This rapid metabolism helps them quickly convert food into energy, fueling their fast-paced lifestyles. However, it also means they need to eat frequently to maintain their energy levels. This is why squirrels are often seen foraging throughout the day.

They can be found in urban and rural areas

Shutterstock
Squirrels are highly adaptable and can thrive in both urban and rural environments. In cities, they are often seen in parks, gardens, and even on rooftops. In rural areas, they inhabit forests, farmlands, and grasslands, building nests or burrows. Their ability to adjust to different habitats makes them one of the most widespread and successful rodents worldwide.

Conclusion

Shutterstock
Squirrels have more to them than meets the eye. These furry friends may be irritating when you are out on a walk but their clever personalities make up for where they are lacking. Text time you are on a walk take a second to look at these amazing animals, because they may surprise you.
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE BELOW

Related Topics:
amazinganimalsplus.com

Welcome to Amazing Animals+, a sanctuary online for animal lovers and enthusiasts around the globe. Our passion for the animal kingdom and its vast diversity fuels our mission to educate, inspire, and foster a deeper connection between humans and animals. From the majestic to the microscopic, our platform offers an extensive array of content that explores the wonders of animal life. Whether you're seeking insight on caring for your furry friend, looking to learn about wildlife conservation, or simply want to enjoy captivating stories and photographs of animals in their natural habitats, Amazing Animals+ is your gateway to the animal world. Join us in our journey to celebrate and protect our planet's incredible biodiversity.