ABC

FACTS ABOUT THEM :

 

The smallest is the African pygmy squirrel which is tiny at around 10 cm long, whereas the largest, the Indian giant squirrel is a massive three feet long.

• Squirrels are rodents.

• There are around 280 different species of squirrel.

• Most squirrels are small and have big eyes and bushy tails.

• Their large eyes help them skilfully climb trees and avoid predators.

• Squirrels eat mostly nuts, fruits and seeds.

• Squirrels are born blind.

• Flying squirrels can’t fly like birds but they can glide between trees.

• Flying squirrels have been known to glide for distances of up to 90 metres (295 ft).

• Chipmunks are small squirrels with stripes.

• Chipmunks have cheek pouches which help them carry food.

• Many chipmunk species hoard food such as nuts, berries, egg and grains for the winter.

• To prepare for cold months, squirrels will bury their food. In the winter months they have a store of food they can eat when supplies are 

• A female carries her young for a gestation period of 33 to 46 weeks and gives birth to two to eight offspring at one time. Babies are called kits or kittens and are born blind. They depend on their mothers for around two or three months.