SQUIRRELS
G'day folks,
Welcome to one of my all time favourite animals. Some animals are quiet and boring. Others, like these guys, are amusing, agile and entertaining.
Squirrels are familiar to
almost everyone. More than 200 squirrel species live all over the world, with
the notable exception of Australia.
The tiniest squirrel is the aptly named African pygmy squirrel—only five inches (thirteen centimeters) long from nose to tail. Others reach sizes shocking to those who are only familiar with common tree squirrels. The Indian giant squirrel is three feet (almost a meter) long.
Like other rodents, squirrels
have four front teeth that never stop growing so they don't wear down from the
constant gnawing. Tree squirrels are the types most commonly recognized, often
seen gracefully scampering and leaping from branch to branch. Other species are
ground squirrels that live in burrow or tunnel systems, where some hibernate
during the winter season.
Ground squirrels eat nuts, leaves, roots, seeds, and other plants. They also catch and eat small animals, such as insects and caterpillars. These small mammals must always be wary of predators because they are tasty morsels with few natural defenses, save flight. Sometimes groups of ground squirrels work together to warn each other of approaching danger with a whistling call.
Tree squirrels are commonly seen everywhere from woodlands to city parks. Though they are terrific climbers, these squirrels do come to the ground in search of fare such as nuts, acorns, berries, and flowers. They also eat bark, eggs, or baby birds. Tree sap is a delicacy to some species.
Flying squirrels are a third,
adaptable type of squirrel. They live something like birds do, in nests or tree
holes, and although they do not fly, they can really move across the sky.
Flying squirrels glide, extending their arms and legs and coasting through the
air from one tree to another. Flaps of skin connecting limbs to body provide a
winglike surface. These gliding leaps can exceed 150 feet (46 meters). Flying
squirrels eat nuts and fruit, but also catch insects and even baby birds.
Whether they dwell high in a tree or in an underground burrow, female squirrels typically give birth to two to eight offspring. Babies are blind and totally dependent on their mothers for two or three months. Mothers may have several litters in a year, so most squirrel populations are robust.
The tiniest squirrel is the aptly named African pygmy squirrel—only five inches (thirteen centimeters) long from nose to tail. Others reach sizes shocking to those who are only familiar with common tree squirrels. The Indian giant squirrel is three feet (almost a meter) long.
Ground squirrels eat nuts, leaves, roots, seeds, and other plants. They also catch and eat small animals, such as insects and caterpillars. These small mammals must always be wary of predators because they are tasty morsels with few natural defenses, save flight. Sometimes groups of ground squirrels work together to warn each other of approaching danger with a whistling call.
Tree squirrels are commonly seen everywhere from woodlands to city parks. Though they are terrific climbers, these squirrels do come to the ground in search of fare such as nuts, acorns, berries, and flowers. They also eat bark, eggs, or baby birds. Tree sap is a delicacy to some species.
Whether they dwell high in a tree or in an underground burrow, female squirrels typically give birth to two to eight offspring. Babies are blind and totally dependent on their mothers for two or three months. Mothers may have several litters in a year, so most squirrel populations are robust.
Now, check out these fabulous shots ...
Clancy's comment: I just love these guys. First time I ever saw one was whilst I was sitting opposite the White House in Washington DC. Since then, I've seen many all over the world. They are fascinating creatures.
I'm ...
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