Squirrels: Profile and Information

|

Spread the love for animals! 🐾

Squirrel is a phrase that is mostly used to specify a kind of familiar long-fluffy-tailed tree-climbing rodent.

Nonetheless, tree squirrels are partly one of the true squirrel family.

Others also include prairie dogs, chipmunks, and groundhogs. The tarpan provides general facts about the tree squirrels.

Classifications

Tree Squirrels

  • Flying squirrels (northern, southern)
  • Pine squirrels (Douglas, red)
  • Large tree squirrels (western gray, eastern grey, fox, tassel-eared)

Size

The average size of a tree squirrel is .33-1.5 lb. in weight and 8-20” long.

Lifespan

Squirrels in their natural habitat can live up to 6 years.

Squirrel Geography

There are more than 100 species of tree squirrels, and except for Antarctica, they inhabit all the world’s continents.

Squirrels’ doggedness has made them some of the most resilient animals on the planet. This factor has allowed them to maintain some fame even though most of their natural habitat has become urbanized.

Squirrel Habitats

As their name indicates, tree squirrels are arboreal. They can be found making homes inside tree cavities or in leaf nests.

All tree squirrels depend heavily on the abundance of mast (dry fruit from trees and woody plants) – especially nuts and acorns- for survival. It’s no surprise to find squirrels around but bearing trees.

Squirrel Diet

A squirrel’s diet consists of masts like walnuts, acorns, seeds, or hickory nuts. The mast is so essential to squirrels that from September through March, a squirrel would require about 1.5 lbs of mast every week to survive.

Since the digestive systems of squirrels aren’t designed to absorb cellulose, they can only feed on twigs, green plants, and bark when there isn’t a must to eat.

Some favorite squirrel foods include:

Squirrel Behavior

Nesting

Tree squirrels make homes from twigs, bark, leaves, and available nesting materials. They can be seen nesting in tree cavities or leaf nests.

Activity

Squirrels are diurnal. They are very active during the day. Unlike other animals in the wild, squirrels do not hibernate but typically spend long hours nesting during winter.

Food Hunting

In warmer seasons, when food is surplus, squirrels hoard (cache) food like acorns for the winter. They would usually dig and bury their food in small holes. They sometimes use abandoned flowerpots, burrows, or other available places to hide their food for a later date.

Communication

Squirrels are exceptionally vocal – they chatter, bark, purr, and scream to communicate with each other. They also interact through body language, stomping their feet and moving their tails.

Identifying Squirrel Damage

Since squirrels are diurnal, there’s every possibility that you would find them prancing about close by. However, you may not always be at home to witness their presence or how they may be redesigning your attic or rooftop.

Here are some signs to help identify squirrels’ problems;

  • Damaged wood siding
  • Stolen birdseed
  • Chewed-up electrical wires

Interesting Facts About Squirrels

  • A squirrel’s teeth don’t stop growing. This is why they continue to gnaw and chew, so their teeth remain locked.
  • Squirrels use their tails to gain balance through electrical lines and treetops. Their tails also serve as a parachute to help break their fall. It might interest you that Squirrels can fall up to 100 feet without injury.
  • Even though squirrels keep food in several locations within the ranges they can cover, they don’t always remember where these foods are buried. Most of these seeds and nuts end up germinating, turning into trees. This is one reason why these rodents are known to play a critical role in growing and maintaining populations of forest trees.
  • Squirrels usually pretend to bury their food to mislead other animals and protect their food stash. They typically dig up empty holes and cover them with leaves, making other onlooking animals think they have food there.
Spread the love for animals! 🐾
Oluwafemi Michael
Oluwafemi Michaelhttps://freelancespace.org/
Oluwafemi Michael is a freelance content writer with ample years of experience. He is into several writing niches including iGaming, Health, Pets, Relationships, and more. You can find him near the beach or tending to his plants on days he isn't romancing his keyboard.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Most Popular

15 Best Dog Breeds for Seniors: Perfect Companions for Your Golden Years

Finding the perfect canine companion during your golden years isn't just about choosing a cute face—it's about selecting a...

5 Different Types of Boxer Dog Breeds

In Germany, the United States, and the United Kingdom, the Boxer dog breed is a popular mastiff-type Molosser dog breed.This dog...

6 Different Types of Sweat Bees

Sweat bees, also known as halictid bees, are small, solitary bees that can be found worldwide. There are different...

Is the Blue Macaw Extinct?

The blue macaw is a stunning and charismatic bird that has captured the hearts of many with its vibrant...

6 Different Types of Insects That Make Noise

What do you hear? The chirps, tweets, and thumps you hear are an insect symphony singing each species' distinctive...

21 Different Types of Pheasants You Should Know

Pheasants have to be some of the most spectacular birds out there, right? Their wild colors and crazy plumage...

11 Different Types of Tiny Ants

It may surprise some, but tiny ants are becoming increasingly common in households nationwide.Although these ants may be small,...

15 Animals That Will Hunt You for Food (And Where They Live)

While walking through the wilderness or swimming in tropical waters, you might never imagine that you could become someone's...

21 Different Wasps You’ll Spot in Wisconsin

Are you curious about the different types of wasps in Wisconsin that you can find? With over 600 species...

6 Different Types of Deer in Australia

Australia is home to a wide variety of animals, including deer. There are many types of deer in Australia.A...

Featured...

Can Cats Eat Avocado?

Can cats eat avocado? The answer to this question...

Top 10 Military Dog Breeds

When we consider dogs that work in the military,...

Can Chickens Eat Timothy Hay?

If you're a chicken owner, you may be wondering...

Chameleons: Profile and Information

Chameleons are not only colorful but are also interesting...

Peafowl (Peacock): Profile and Information

Peacock is a popular term used to refer to...

You might also likeRELATED
Recommended to you