There are a total of about 200 species of squirrels all over the world. Squirrels can live almost everywhere, so it's not surprising at all if you find squirrels living near you no matter whether you live in the country or in a downtown apartment. Well, if you love this animal and want to know more about them, let's take a look at some of the most interesting squirrels facts right below here.
- Squirrels can jump a distance of up to 20 feet. They have long, muscular hind legs and short front legs that work together to aid in leaping.
- The largest squirrel is the Indian giant squirrel, which grows 3 feet long, while the smallest squirrel is the African pygmy squirrel, which's only 5 inches long, including its tail.
- Squirrels’ sharp teeth never stop growing.
- Flying squirrels have a flap of skin between their front and back legs. This skin helps them glide in the air between tree branches.
- Squirrels have litters of three to nine babies. The babies are blind. They stay in a burrow or nest until they are three months old.
- The hind legs of squirrels are double-jointed. This helps them run up and down trees quickly.
- A male squirrel can smell a female in heat up to a mile away. Mating season is February through May with a 44-day gestation period. Typically 2-4 young are born per liter.
- Squirrels have 5 toes on their back feet and 4 toes on their front. Their front toes are very sharp and help in gripping tree bark for climbing.
- In addition to residing in the Eastern US, Eastern Gray Squirrels can be found in many Western states, Great Britain, Ireland and South Africa.
- Squirrels in general are found on every continent except Antarctica and Australia.
- Squirrels can eat their own body weight (approximately 1.5 pounds) every week.
- Squirrels can fall up to 100 feet without hurting themselves. They'll use their tail both for balance and as a parachute.
- The hibernating artic ground squirrel is the only warm-blooded mammal able to withstand body temperatures below freezing.
- Squirrels eyes are positioned in such a way that they can see some things behind them.
- The word "squirrel" means "shadow tail" in Greek.
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