Squirrels are usually small animals. They can be found in different types of environments, from tropical rainforests to semiarid regions of deserts. Only high polar regions and the driest regions of deserts are those places where squirrels do not live. We generally see this animal in our locality, so it will be interesting to know some amazing facts about squirrels.
They are mainly herbivorous and depend heavily on seeds and nuts for their survival. However, some species of squirrels eat insects and even small vertebrates. Here are 12 fun and interesting facts about squirrels.
1. Squirrels Are Capable Of Learning From One Another
Squirrels interact with each other by using complex and high-frequency chirping and tail movement mechanisms.
From different studies, it has been found that squirrels are also capable of watching and learning from one another, especially when it comes to stealing food.
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2. Squirrels Are Everywhere
Squirrels can be found on every continent in our world except Australia and Antarctica.
3. Squirrels Run Away In A Zigzag Pattern
One of the most interesting facts about squirrels is that when squirrels feel threatened by their predators, they run away in a zigzag pattern. This technique is extremely effective to escape from hawks, eagles, and other predators.
4. Squirrels Forget Those Places Where They Hide Nuts
Squirrels usually make many hiding places with nuts and other supplies. However, they often forget those places where they hide their nuts.
5. Squirrels Make Their Homes Mostly In Nut-bearing Trees
A specific type of squirrel, known as a tree squirrel, lives in trees. They usually make their homes either in leaf nests or in a cavity in the tree.
All types of tree squirrels depend heavily on the availability of the dry fruit of trees, such as nuts, for their survival. Thus, tree squirrels make their homes mostly in those nut-bearing trees.
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6. Three Thousand Nuts Are Sufficient
For a squirrel, approximately three thousand nuts are sufficient to eat in the whole winter season.
7. 22 Different Species Are Found In Canada
Approximately 22 different species of squirrel are found in Canada. Among them, six species are tree squirrels and the other 16 species are ground-dwelling.
8. Their Tail Works As A Rudder
When squirrels jump from a height, their tail acts as a rudder and helps to control their flight.
9. Flying Squirrels Are Able To Change Their Direction In Flight
Except for these ordinary squirrels, there are also flying squirrels which are able to change their direction in flight.
10. A Squirrel Can Jump Safely From A Height Of 20-30 Meters
A squirrel can jump from a height of 20-30 meters and can land safely without causing any damage to its own body, by using its tail as a parachute and thus slowing down the fall.
11. Squirrel Skins Were Used As Currency
In ancient times, squirrel skins were used as currency in many countries.
12. Squirrels Are Excellent Swimmers
Squirrels are actually excellent swimmers. At the time of swimming, they keep their tail on the surface of the water. If suddenly its tail gets wet by a wave or some other reason, the squirrel will most likely drown.
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These are 12 interesting and fun facts about Squirrels.
FAQ: 12 Fun And Interesting Facts About Squirrels
As many people are interested to know about squirrels, they have lots of questions in their minds. Here I have given brief answers to the most frequently asked questions about squirrels.
Q1. Can Squirrels Learn?
Ans: Scientists have found that squirrels are capable of watching and learning from one another, particularly when it comes to stealing food.
Q2. How Do Squirrels Communicate With Each Other?
Ans: Squirrels interact and communicate with each other by using complex and high-frequency chirping and tail movement mechanisms.
Q3. Can Squirrels Swim?
Ans: Squirrels are generally excellent swimmers. They usually keep their tail on the surface of the water at the time of swimming. If suddenly their tail gets wet by a wave or some other reason, the squirrel will most likely drown.
Q4. How High Can A Squirrel Jump From?
Ans: A squirrel can jump from a height of 20-30 meters and can safely land without causing any damage to its own body. They use their tail as a parachute to slow down the fall.
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