Quck answer
Squirrels are more than just cute, fluffy creatures that scurry up trees. Here are 5 things you might not have known about them:
1. Squirrels can communicate through their tails. They use different tail movements to convey messages to other squirrels.
2. Squirrels have excellent memories and can remember the location of hundreds of buried nuts.
3. They have a natural defense mechanism where they pretend to be dead when threatened, called “playing possum.”
4. Squirrels can jump up to 20 feet in a single leap, thanks to their powerful hind legs.
5. Some species of squirrels can glide through the air for distances up to 150 feet using flaps of skin between their legs called “patagia.”
Wild Animals
What is the squirrel doing? AlexTurton/Getty Images
There are approximately 278 species of squirrels worldwide and they are found on almost every continent. How did such a small, furry animal become so widespread? Keep reading to learn some unexpected facts about squirrels.
1. The Big Bushy Tail has Many Functions
It serves as a natural blanket in winter and a sunshade in summer. The tail also helps squirrels balance and it can be used for communication. A researcher taught some squirrels on a college campus how to open boxes that could contain a walnut, a kernel of dried corn, or nothing. Sometimes the boxes were locked. She recorded the results and found that the squirrels used a long, sweeping tail movement (instead of the usual twitching) when they found a locked or empty box. She is unsure if that tail movement was an expression of disgust or a warning to other squirrels not to waste their time. Squirrels also use that same tail movement when they are in fight mode.
2. They Engage in “Deceptive Caching”
Squirrels are famous for hiding nuts as a food supply for the winter. However, they also have to protect their stash from other squirrels or birds (25% of their hoard is lost that way). So how do they do this? A biology professor at Wilkes University in Pennsylvania discovered that sometimes squirrels engage in deceptive caching. A squirrel will dig a hole and cover it up while holding a nut in its teeth and not depositing it. The squirrel sometimes repeats this behavior several times. Another researcher found that when she and her students uncovered these holes, the squirrels dug subsequent holes in locations that were harder to reach. By the way, squirrels do not uncover all the nuts they have buried in holes, and many of those acorns and other nuts may grow into trees. Thank you, squirrels!
3. It is Difficult to Sneak Up on Them
Squirrels have excellent eyesight. Their peripheral vision is as good as their focal eyesight. Therefore, they can see what is above and beside them without moving their heads, making it challenging to sneak up on them. Their color vision is not as great, but their pale-yellow lenses act as natural sunglasses by reducing sunlight glare.
4. Squirrels Were Once Considered Missionaries of Civility
The question of how the Eastern gray squirrel (your basic backyard creature) became so common in the United States is fascinating. As cities began implementing parks and gardens, urban reformers introduced squirrels to them. “Squirrels were thought to be an obvious accent to such places, for what good is the wood without its denizens?” wrote Jason Bittel in Slate. Squirrels were also seen as a resource for teaching little boys how to be kind to animals. A founding member of the Boy Scouts of America thought sending “missionary squirrels” around the world would “cure boys of their tendency toward cruelty.” Ordinary people introduced the cute squirrel to cities all over America and Europe, which welcomed them — until they did not.
5. Squirrels are Invasive Species Too
In England, gray squirrels have taken over the habitat of native red squirrels, causing their population to rapidly decline. Additionally, gray squirrels carry a virus that can be deadly to red squirrels, as shown in the picture below. In the United States and other countries, squirrels are notorious for peeling bark off trees in search of sap and making their homes in attics through holes in the roof. Once inside, they can damage home wiring and insulation by gnawing on them. While some people consider squirrels pests, we must acknowledge our role in their behavior. Squirrels thrive wherever food is abundant, and they have a diverse diet that includes nuts, birds, insects, cheeseburgers, and chocolate chip cookies. By sealing our homes, filling in cracks in the doorways and chimney, cutting back tree limbs from the roofline, and disposing of garbage properly, we can discourage them from entering our homes.
Now That’s Cool
January 21 has been declared Squirrel Appreciation Day. Project Squirrel enlists citizen scientists to observe and report the number of squirrels they see in their backyards, parks, or any other location.
Originally Published: Jan 20, 2017
FAQ
1. What do squirrels eat?
Squirrels are omnivores and eat a variety of foods. Their diet includes nuts, seeds, fruit, insects, and even small animals like insects and bird eggs. They store food in their nests and burrows to eat during the winter months when food is scarce.
2. How do squirrels communicate?
Squirrels communicate with each other using a variety of sounds and body language. They use chirps, squeaks, and barks to warn other squirrels of danger. They also use their tails to signal to other squirrels. A twitching tail can indicate agitation, while a relaxed tail means they are calm.
3. Do squirrels hibernate?
No, squirrels do not hibernate. Instead, they spend the winter months gathering and storing food in their nests and burrows. They will also sleep for long periods of time to conserve energy.
4. How fast can squirrels run?
Squirrels are fast runners and can reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour. They are also excellent climbers and can jump up to 10 feet between trees. Their sharp claws and strong hind legs allow them to easily climb trees and walls.
5. How long do squirrels live?
The lifespan of a squirrel can vary depending on the species. On average, a squirrel will live for 5-10 years in the wild. However, some species can live up to 20 years in captivity.
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