Flying Squirrel

If a squirrel feels threatened it will run in a zigzag pattern to get away from danger.

Squirrels maintain their body temperatures by sleeping in groups

Unlike other squirrels, flying squirrels are nocturnal.

Most flying squirrels never leave the safety of trees for their whole lives!

Squirrels belong to the family Sciuridae and are small to medium-sized rodents found across the globe, except in Antarctica and Australia.

There are over 200 species of squirrels, ranging from tree squirrels and ground squirrels to flying squirrels and chipmunks.

Squirrels have sharp claws and strong hind legs, which enable them to climb trees and jump from branch to branch with ease.

They are primarily herbivorous, feeding on nuts, seeds, fruits, berries, and sometimes fungi and insects.

Squirrels are known for their hoarding behavior, collecting and storing food in various locations to sustain themselves during times of scarcity.

Many species of squirrels build nests, called dreys, out of leaves, twigs, and other materials in trees to serve as shelters for resting and raising their young.

Some species of squirrels, such as ground squirrels, dig burrows underground for nesting and hibernating during the winter months.

Squirrels have excellent vision and a keen sense of smell, which help them locate food, detect predators, and navigate their surroundings.

They are diurnal animals, meaning they are most active during the day, although some species, like flying squirrels, are nocturnal.

Squirrels play important roles in forest ecosystems by dispersing seeds and contributing to nutrient cycling through their feeding and caching behaviors.

Despite their abundance and adaptability, squirrels face threats such as habitat loss, predation by domestic pets, and collisions with vehicles.

Squirrels have become well-adapted to urban environments, where they often thrive in parks, gardens, and wooded areas, sometimes becoming pests due to their habit of raiding bird feeders and gardens.