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What Are the Distinguishing Features of a Squirrel?
Squirrels, with their length of 40 to 64 centimeters, are true climbing maestros, courtesy of their sleek body shape. Their impressive jumping power comes from strong, muscular hind legs.
To grip onto trees and seize nuts, they have sharp claws on their long digits, known as gripping toes.
Notably, they often have characteristic “tufted ears” and a long, bushy tail.
The Tail as a Superpower
The most renowned trait of squirrels is their bushy tail, which can grow up to 20cms long. It enables them to leap from tree to tree and balance deftly on branches.
Should they lose balance, their tail acts as a parachute. In winter, it provides a cozy warmth, while in summer, it’s an excellent shade from the sun.
Thus, it’s no surprise this body part inspired the squirrel’s name, with “Sciuridae” meaning “shadowy tail”.
Colourful Coats of the Squirrel
Be it fox-red, brown or black – squirrel fur colour varies greatly, influenced by species, locality, or the season. During winter, their fur tends to be thicker and darker, while it’s thinner and lighter in the summer.
Squirrels are not only true climbing artists but also experts at foraging for food
Systematics: Species and Subgenera
Squirrels belong to a genus within the family of rodents. Currently, there are 28 species spread across seven subgenera.
The most familiar species is the Eurasian Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris), found in Europe and parts of Asia. The Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is also known globally for displacing native species.
While these are considered wild animals, others are known to be more suitable as pets, such as the Middle American Variegated Squirrel (Sciurus variegatoides).
Intelligent Behaviour
“Quick” and “shy” are probably the most common descriptors of these diurnal climbers. However, these fluffy creatures are smarter than you might think. They can remember where they’ve hidden their food for winter for a long time.
They’re quite capable learners. Scientists have discovered squirrels learning how to overcome obstacles to reach their food after just a few attempts.
Keen Senses for Survival
Squirrels rely on sharp senses to navigate the wild. They are experts at everything from hearing to smelling.
No wonder, given they have a host of predators, including cats and many wild forest and meadow creatures. Birds of prey lurking overhead are also a threat, which they spot with their large eyes surveying the surroundings.
Their sense of touch is particularly refined. With their whiskers, distributed across their body, they can discern food and more.
Loner Squirrels That Stick Together
Generally solitary, squirrels only come together in a few instances. That mainly happens in the spring when seeking a mating partner. During the cold, they might band together for warmth to endure the harsh winter.
Squirrels don’t hibernate, instead they take a winter rest
Keeping Squirrels as Pets
Despite many animal protection organisations opposing it, many countries allow the keeping of captive-bred squirrels, providing local regulations are followed.
The Perfect Enclosure
An ideal home is a spacious, tall outdoor aviary offering plenty of room to climb and jump. Trees, branches, and stones are essential, with ropes making a fantastic addition.
Remember, squirrels love to gnaw, so avoid cage bars made from wood or other soft materials.
A generous water bowl for bathing or drinking is also a necessity.
Can You Tame a Squirrel?
Despite their fluffy fur, squirrels aren’t cuddly pets. To encourage it to feed from your hand, you’ll need patience and calm.
Initially, acclimatising the squirrel to your presence is wise. Sit quietly in the enclosure and just watch it for a while. Let the squirrel take the first step.
Once the squirrel is somewhat used to you, tempt it closer with some food. Regularly doing so will soon lead to it feeding from your hand.
Note: In public parks, wild squirrels may approach closely. Still, do not touch them, as these remain wild animals.
Diet: What Do Squirrels Eat in the Wild?
One of their greatest skills is finding and storing food. As omnivores, their diet includes snails, insects, nuts, beechnuts, and fruit.
They also enjoy munching on pine cones or fresh shoots. Eggs or small nestling birds can even constitute a feast for a squirrel.
How Do Squirrels Survive the Cold Winter?
Though they undergo torpor instead of hibernation, they still need to gather food stores for the cold season. They start this preparation in the autumn.
They stash everything they can eat between bark or in tree cavities. Their keen sense of smell then aids them in locating these caches in winter. Sometimes, if they forget a hiding spot, it could lead to a new tree growing.
Health: What Is a Squirrel’s Lifespan?
A squirrel’s lifespan can vary considerably but averages out at around eight years. However, about a fifth of a litter dies before reaching their first year, often due to predators.
Vulnerable to Parasites
Squirrels are also prone to diseases. They commonly suffer from parasite infestations by lice, fleas, and ticks.
Injuries caused by cars or cats can also lead to a dire end for a squirrel.
Reproduction: From Maturity to Nestlings
Fast-moving squirrels reach sexual maturity after roughly a year. When ready to mate, males chase females from branch to branch. After successful mating, they start building their nests high in the tree canopies.
How Many Young Does a Squirrel Have?
About 36 days later, the female gives birth to two to five offspring. They are born blind and hairless, depending on their mother’s milk.
Although they wean after two months, they stay close to their mother for some time. They venture out on their own around the time they reach sexual maturity.
Grey squirrels are increasingly displacing the native European red squirrel
Origin: What Is a Squirrel’s Natural Habitat?
The habitat squirrels occupy depends on their species. While the Eurasian Red Squirrel is one of the few species present in Europe or Asia, most squirrel species are native to American soil.
However, most have one thing in common: they adore the forest.
Are Squirrels Endangered?
Sadly, various factors can lead to a decline in the population of native squirrels, such as deforestation, resulting in habitat loss.
Displaced by the Grey Squirrel
In some European countries, the more sizeable and robust Grey Squirrel, introduced by humans to Great Britain in the 19th century, is increasingly displacing the native squirrel.
Particularly threatening is that this species carries a poxvirus, spreading it to other squirrels. While the Grey Squirrel is immune, other species succumb to the virus.
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