Squirrels (3)

Squirrels are common rodents that have hairy tails and strong hind legs.

There are are over 200 different species of squirrels that live in a variety of habitats.

There are three types: tree squirrels (with bushy tails), ground squirrels (with a non-bushy tail), and flying squirrels (who cannot really fly, but can glide up to 150 feet=46 m using a flap of skin).

Tree squirrels are the squirrels that are common in cities.

Many ground squirrel hibernate during cold winters, sleeping in a nest until warm weather arrives.

Squirrels can live up to 15 years in captivity.

Anatomy: Squirrels range in size from 5 to 36 inches (13-92 cm) long (including a long tail).

The biggest squirrel is the Indian Giant Squirrel.

Baby squirrels are born in nests; they are blind and hairless at birth.

Diet: Squirrels are omnivores (they eat plants and meat).

They eat seeds, nuts, leaves, bulbs, roots, mushrooms, insects, worms, eggs, small birds, and other small animals.

Ground squirrels have pouches in their cheeks in which they carry food to their burrow to store.

Predators: Squirrels are hunted by the weasel, fox, hawk, eagle, lynx, bear, and coyote.