Squirrels are some of the cutest animals you can spot in the forest or park. You can easily recognize them by their big, bushy tails and their fast, nimble movements on the ground and in trees. Let’s take a look at some cool facts about these little creatures!
Where Do Squirrels Live?
You can find squirrels almost everywhere in the world. They live in forests, parks, and even cities! The squirrels we usually see are tree squirrels. They make their nests—called dreys—high up in trees, using sticks and leaves.
What Do Squirrels Eat?
They eat a wide variety of foods. They especially love nuts, acorns, seeds, and berries. Some species also snack on insects, bird eggs, or mushrooms.
Why Do Squirrels Have Big Tails?
Those big, bushy tails serve many purposes. Tails help squirrels balance when they leap from branch to branch and keep them warm in winter. When a squirrel is scared, it might even use its tail like a blanket to hide under it.
How Fast Can Squirrels Move?
Squirrels are super quick and agile. They can run up to 12 miles per hour (20 kilometers per hour) and jump as far as nine feet (3 meters)! These skills help them escape from predators like foxes and owls.
How Do Squirrels Store Food?
Squirrels gather food for the winter by hiding nuts and seeds in the ground or in trees. During winter and early spring, they dig up their hiding spots to find the treats. Squirrels have remarkable memories—they can remember hundreds of places where they’ve hidden their food!
How Long Do Squirrels Live?
Squirrels can live about 6 to 12 years, depending on their species and living conditions. Wild squirrels often have shorter lives because of predators and disease. In captivity, where they’re safe, they can live for more than 10 years.
When Do Squirrels Have Babies?
Squirrels usually have babies twice a year—during the spring and the fall. The babies are born blind and without fur. It takes about eight weeks for them to open their eyes and be ready to leave the nest. Mother squirrels are very protective and take great care of their young.
Interesting Types of Squirrels
There are more than 200 species of squirrels! Some of the coolest are flying squirrels—they can glide from tree to tree thanks to special skin flaps between their front and back legs. Another fun type is the chipmunk, famous for its cute cheeks where it stores food.
Squirrels really are fascinating and surprising animals. Next time you visit a park or forest, watch what these little animals get up to. You’ll be amazed by how clever and speedy they are!
Read the story about a squirrel!
