Squirrels are known for their cute demeanor and their quick movements. However, there are some interesting facts you may not know about them. Squirrels can glide through the air, have excellent memory skills, can swim and are excellent opportunistic feeders. They can also live up to 20 years, help plant trees and are known to make different sounds. Squirrels play an important role in the ecosystem, but can also cause power outages and other electrical hazards. There are over 200 different species of squirrels and it is not legal to keep them as pets in most states.
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If you live in North America or Europe, you’re likely to have seen squirrels around your backyard or garden. These furry creatures are known for their cute demeanor and their quick scurrying movements. However, there’s more to squirrels than just their adorable looks. Here are 10 fun facts about squirrels that you may not know:
1. Squirrels Can Fly
While they can’t actually fly like a bird, squirrels can glide through the air. They do this by using the folds of skin between their front and back legs as a parachute.
2. Squirrels Have a Great Memory
Squirrels have excellent memory skills. They are known to hide their food in various locations and can find them even after months have passed.
3. Squirrels Can Swim
Squirrels are excellent swimmers and can cross rivers and streams to reach their desired destination.
4. Squirrels are Opportunistic Feeders
Squirrels are not picky eaters and will eat whatever is available. They feed on nuts, fruits, seeds, insects, eggs, and even small birds and mice.
5. Squirrels are Very Vocal
Squirrels are known to make different sounds like a bark or a chattering noise to communicate with one another.
6. Squirrel Teeth Never Stop Growing
Squirrels gnaw on various objects to keep their teeth from becoming too long. Not only do they keep them sharp, but it also helps them to break through the hard shells of nuts.
7. Squirrels Have Excellent Eyesight
Squirrels have very sharp eyesight and can detect predators from a distance.
8. Squirrels Can Live Up to 20 Years
The average lifespan of a squirrel is around three to four years in the wild. However, squirrels in captivity have been known to live for up to 20 years.
9. Squirrels Help Plant Trees
Squirrels play an important role in the ecosystem by burying nuts and seeds. This helps to plant new trees and plants.
10. Squirrels Can Cause Power Outages
Squirrels have a tendency to chew on wires and other electrical equipment. This can cause power outages and other electrical hazards.
FAQs
Q. How many different species of squirrels are there?
A. There are over 200 different species of squirrels.
Q. Do squirrels hibernate?
A. Some species of squirrels hibernate during the winter months, while others do not.
Q. Can squirrels be kept as pets?
A. It is not legal to keep squirrels as pets in most states.
Q. Why do squirrels chase each other?
A. Squirrels often chase each other during mating season or while competing for food.
Q. Why do squirrels flick their tails?
A. Squirrels flick their tails as a way of communicating with other squirrels or to signal danger.
