All about squirrels

Squirrels are bushy tailed rodents that can be found almost every country throughout the entire world. They belong to the Sciuridae family, which includes marmots, chipmunks and prairie dogs. There are over 200 species of squirrels around the world, and they can be put into three categories, which are flying squirrels, ground squirrels and tree squirrels. Because there are many types of squirrels, they are found in different sizes. One of the smaller species is the African pygmy squirrels. They can grow to reach 2.8 to 5 inches long, and they may weigh only 0.35 ounces or 10 grams. Indian giant squirrels are the largest squirrels, and they may grow to reach 36 inches or 1 meter long and can weigh over 4 pounds or 1.8 kilograms. The grey squirrels which are common in North America are medium sized and they grow to 15 up to 20 inches, and their tails may give them an extra 6 to 9.5 inches. They can weigh up to 1.5 pounds. Squirrels are known to be territorial and can fight to the death if they have a need to defend their area. The mother squirrel is most vicious when it comes to defending her babies. There are some squirrels that are known to be crepuscular and are active only around dawn or dusk.

The different types of squirrel species are found in all the continents but Antarctica and Australia. Tree squirrels normally live in wooded environments because they like to live up in the trees. The ground squirrels live as their name suggests, and they will dig and live inside burrows, which is a system of tunnels underground. There are some squirrels that may hibernate within the burrows if it is winter in order to keep them warm.

The flying squirrels will make their home in tree holes and nests that have been built at crooks of branches. In order to get from one tree to another or to the ground, the flying squirrels may spread their muscle membranes found within the legs or body and then glide on air. They may glide over 160 feet or 48m, which makes it look as if they are flying. The squirrels are omnivores, so they eat plants and meat. They eat nuts, fruits, seeds and fungi. They different species of squirrels are also known to eat caterpillars, small insects, young snakes and eggs. Wildlife and humans have coexisted since the dawn of time. There has been increased interaction between wild animals and people in the more recent times due to humans’ extensive development and infringement on the natural habitats of numerous animals. This means it is more ordinary for people to locate wild animals such as raccoons, opossums, and deer on their possessions. Wild animals are identified to be quite disparaging and can bring dangerous diseases that can pose a risk to humans.

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