Squirrels

When we talk about squirrels, we immediately considered them as the cute category (which is quite true.), but did you know that there are more than 300 species of squirrels in 7 families and also part of the rodent family? (Rodent is a species for animals who are small in size and their teeth keep on growing, like rats and mice. By the way, rabbits ARE NOT rodents, they are different kind of species, although their teeth do grow non stop.)

This picture was taken in the national park in Lake Louis, Alberta, Canada. My husband and I went there quite often when we lived in the province. This little squirrel was just standing there and I just couldn't refuse but to take a picture.

Squirrels have different types, such as ground squirrels, tree squirrels, flying squirrels and fox squirrels. Squirrels are seen in different colors such as gray, white, red and black. They have a life span of 5 to 7 years.

Interesting Facts About Squirrels

• A squirrel's brain is almost the size of a walnut.
• Squirrels start mating when they are a year old. Male is the cleaner sex in squirrels. A male squirrel makes a sneezing sound when ready to mate. The mating season for them mostly begins in the late winters where they are most active.
• Majority of the squirrels mate twice a year. The female squirrel gives birth to 4 or 8 offsprings.
• The new born squirrels are naked (without fur) and are called kittens. They remain blind for almost 2 months or more.
• Squirrels are so fast that they can run at the speed of 20 miles per hour.
• A squirrel stands motionless on two feet when it senses danger.
• The tail helps the squirrel to balance its body while jumping.
• A squirrel can survive even if it jumps from a height of 100 ft. as it has padded feet.
• Squirrels hardly move out of their nests in the night. They get back to their nests before it gets dark.
• Squirrels are not sexually dimorphic, that is, both males and females are of the same size.
• They communicate with their distinctive chirps.
• Another interesting fact about squirrels is that they have sweat glands on their feet.
• Squirrels have such sharp teeth that they can break the hard shells of nuts, and also chew the electric wires.
• Squirrels are mostly vegetarian but sometimes they do eat small insects, small birds or bird eggs. They also love seeds, tree buds, berries, etc..