Squirrels

Squirrels live in so many parts of the world.

There are about 270 species.

They are found almost everywhere, except in Australia and Antarctica.

They are intelligent rodents who share our backyards.

The destruction of forests and grasslands is the only thing endangering their existence.

Sometimes squirrels are called tree rats.

They are rodents who are related to beavers, mice and rats.

There are  three major types of squirrels, tree squirrels, flying squirrels and ground squirrels.

The most common squirrel in North America and Europe is the gray squirrel.

Squirrels make nests in large bird houses, barns, attics and in trees.

Look up at your trees to see if you can find a squirrel's nest.

Look for a big mess of leaves, cloth and grasses stuck between the branches.

This is usually the signature nest of a squirrel.

Tree squirrels are diurnal.

They have a keen sense of smell they use for foraging food.

The Eastern Gray Squirrel and Western Gray Squirrel are common to North America.

I share my Colorado backyard with Fox Squirrels.

In the Colorado forests you find black Abert's Squirrels.

Flying squirrels live in forests and are nocturnal.

They don't fly, but glide.

Most of these squirrels live in South Asia, but there are two species that live in North America.

Ground squirrels include chipmunks, prairie dogs and groundhogs.