15 Facts About Squirrels

Those bushy-tailed bandits dashing around our yards are more than just acorn-obsessed athletes. Squirrels are fascinating creatures with surprising talents and hidden depths! Here are some less known but 15 super interesting facts about squirrels. 

Masters of Camouflage

You might think squirrels are just brown or gray, but some, like the Arctic ground squirrel, have a cool trick. When winter rolls around, their fur changes to a snowy white. This is a clever way to blend in with the snow and stay hidden from predators. Imagine having a wardrobe that changes with the seasons!

Gliding Stars

You might not have seen a flying squirrel up close, but they are pretty amazing. They do not actually fly, but they can glide from tree to tree, covering some really impressive distance. They have this special flap of skin that stretches from their wrists to their ankles, kind of like a natural wingsuit. 

Nutty Organizers

Squirrels are the ultimate preppers of the animal world. They never stash all their nuts in one spot. Instead, they spread them out, hiding them in various places. And they are quite smart about it too, they bury the bigger nuts deeper, so they stay fresh longer. It is like they have their own little pantry system going on.

Super Sniffers

We often overlook squirrels’ sense of smell, but it is pretty incredible. They can sniff out their hidden stashes under a foot of snow or dirt. Imagine having a nose so powerful that you can find your buried snacks no matter how deep they are. No matter how harsh the winter or deep the snow gets.

Rain Dodgers

Squirrels are not fans of getting wet. When it rains, their fur gets heavy and uncomfortable. So, when it is pouring rain or snowing heavily, you will find them cozying up in their nests or finding a snug spot in a tree to stay dry. It is like they know how to avoid a bad hair day better than we do!

Tail Warmers

Ever noticed how squirrels sometimes wrap their tails around themselves? If you thought they were just being cute, you are wrong. They are actually regulating their body temperature. They are keeping themselves warm by controlling the blood flow to their tails. So, they can have a fluffy, warm blanket wherever they go.

Chatterbox 

Squirrels are quite the communicators. Their chirps and barks are actually messages to other squirrels. They use these different sounds like high-pitched barks and soft-pitched chirps to warn other squirrels about any danger, to flirt with potential mates, or even share the news about a tasty food find. 

Chewing Champions

Squirrels need to chew constantly because their front teeth never stop growing. It is a good thing they love to gnaw on nuts and seeds. If they didn’t, then they would have had problems with eating because their teeth would grow quite long. You could call it nature’s way of keeping their dental health in check.

Territorial Watchdogs

Squirrels are fiercely protective of their territory. They have excellent eyesight and hearing sense. They are always on the lookout for threats and will sound the alarm to other squirrels if they spot a predator. They kind of have their own army, protecting their own region. 

Winter Movement

Squirrels do not hibernate, but they do slow down during winters. They cuddle up in their nests to conserve energy and keep warm. That is because during winters their body temperature drops slightly, and their activity level decreases significantly. So, they like to be together in their nests and keep themselves warm. 

Unintentional Planters

You could call squirrels the accidental gardeners. And we have good reasons for it. They bury their nuts and seeds for later, but sometimes they forget where they put them. We often see these forgotten snacks sprout into new plants, helping our forests grow more plants and also stay healthy.

Electric Culprits

Squirrels can be a bit mischievous, sometimes chewing on electrical wires. It causes damage and sometimes even blackouts. So now you probably know these cute critters could also be such troublemakers. We love how squirrels have no worry in the world and are always in a happy place. 

Shadowy Etymology

The word “squirrel” actually comes from the Greek word “skiouros,” which translates to “shadow tail.” It likely refers to how squirrels use their bushy tails to provide shade from the hot sun or sometimes to keep themselves warm. We think it is quite a fitting name for them. 

Mimicking Masters

Squirrels are surprisingly talented vocal mimics. While they do not converse in the same way humans do, they can imitate sounds they hear in their environment, including bird calls, barking dogs, and even car alarms! Scientists believe this ability might help them confuse predators or communicate potential dangers to each other.

Leaping Legends

Do not underestimate a squirrel’s jumping power. These agile athletes can launch themselves impressive distances between branches, defying gravity with their powerful hind legs. Some squirrel species can jump several times their body length, making them true champions of the treetop high jump.