Squirrel

Squirrels are one of the cutest and most amusing creatures in the animal kingdom. They belong to the family Sciuridae and are found all around the world, except in Australia.

Appearance

Squirrels are known for their fluffy tails and bushy fur. Their tails are not only cute, but they also serve many different purposes. They help the squirrel to balance, communicate with other squirrels and even serve as a handy umbrella during the rain.

Squirrels come in different shapes and sizes. Some are as small as a mouse, while others can grow as large as a cat. But no matter their size, they all have one thing in common - their insatiable appetite for nuts.

Behaviour

Squirrels are known to be hoarders, always hiding nuts for the winter. They can hide up to 10,000 nuts in various locations, which they can locate even under thick layers of snow.

Their behaviour is also interesting to observe. They are expert climbers and can run vertically up a tree trunk, thanks to their sharp claws. They are also known for their acrobatic stunts and daredevil jumps from tree to tree.

Enemies

Squirrels have many enemies, including birds of prey, cats and even snakes. But their biggest enemy is the household dog. Squirrels seem to have a special talent for teasing dogs, often running back and forth just out of the dog’s reach.

Fun facts

• Flying squirrels are nocturnal and can glide through the air up to 100 feet.
• Squirrels have been known to adopt abandoned baby squirrels from other mothers.
• The world’s oldest squirrel lived to be 22 years old.
• Squirrels can swim and have been known to use their tails as a rudder.

In conclusion, squirrels are a delightful addition to our natural world. They provide hours of entertainment, and their cute antics are guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone’s face. So next time you see a squirrel, take a moment to appreciate these furry little creatures and all that they bring to our lives.