- Squirrels belong to the order "Rodentia", with 1650 species,
it is the largest group of living mammals. It also comprises forty percent
of all present day mammal species.
- There are over 365 species of squirrels in seven families. They include
the tree squirrel, ground squirrel, and flying squirrel. Plus many squirrel-like
mammals such as the gopher, ground hog and prairie dog.
- Squirrels are the most active in late winter, when the mating season
begins. The males will chase a females, as well as, chase off other
suitors. This ritual of chasing, occurs through the trees at top speed.
While they perform some of the most breathtaking acrobatics imaginable.
- The period of gestation varies from 33 days in the smaller species
of pine squirrels, up to 60 days for the larger species such as the
common gray and fox squirrels.
- Squirrels are usually born in the early spring. The average litter
consists of four. This varies with climate and location. A second litter
can occur in mid summer, if there is an adequate food supply.
- A female squirrel will choose the strongest male during mating season,
but is unlikely to breed with that male again. This is natures way of
reducing inbreeding, and to preserve the species.
" A baby squirrel weighs approximately one ounce at birth, and
is about one inch long. They do not have hair or teeth, and are virtually
blind for the first six to eight weeks.
" In the summer squirrels are most active two to three hours after
sunrise, then they'll rest in the afternoon. Resuming activity again
two hours before sunset. The squirrel will retire to its nest well before
dark, and will rarely leave the nest in the dark. In the winter, the
squirrel will complete its activities between dawn and mid- day, and
will remain in or around the nest until the next day.
- During winter storms, or severe cold, the squirrel may not leave
the nest for days. But, the tree squirrel does not hibernate!
- An adult squirrel normally lives alone. But will, in severe cold,
share its nest with other squirrels to conserve body heat. Once the
temperature rises, the guests will be on their way.
- Squirrels eyes are located high, and on each side of their head.
This allows them a wide field of vision, without turning their head.
- Squirrels chew on tree branches to sharpen and clean their teeth.
That's why you may see many small branches on the ground around large
trees. They will also chew on power lines for the same reason, this
has caused many major power outages throughout the country.
- A squirrel's brain is about the size of a walnut.
- The average adult squirrel needs to eat about a pound of food a week
to maintain an active life.
- Squirrels communicate through a series of chirps. The frequency,
and the duration of the notes communicate everything from laughter to
alarm. Their frequency range is normally between .01 KHz. and 10 KHz.
(kilohertz). These sounds when used in conjunction with tail gestures,
form the basis for squirrel communication.
- When a squirrel senses danger, its first instinct is to stand motionless.
If on the ground it will race to the closest tree, or other climbable
object to escape. If it is in a tree, it will circle the trunk with
its body pressed tightly to the bark.
- Squirrels can live up to 10 or 12 years. After six years, they are
considered old squirrels.
- In addition of dying by being attacked by their natural predators,
they can also die from man, traffic, and natural death
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