Scientific name: Sciurus carolinensis
Class: Rodent mammals
Family: Sciuridae
Order: Omnivorous
Life span:
Average in nature: 5 years
Maximum in the wild: 12 years
In captivity: 15 to 20 years
Reproduction
Every year, squirrels get a chance to renew their love. Starting in February and April with soft whistles of appreciation from the males as they call out for admirers, followed by small trails left behind that lead them right into each other’s arms – this courting ritual is quick but satisfying! The reproductive season then continues on through June and August giving these furry critters another opportunity to find fresh romance before summer ends.
Diet
These bushy-tailed critters are gluttons for anything edible! Squirrels may be small, but their appetites sure aren’t – they’re known to chow down on an array of yummy vegetation. However, it’s not all plants and nuts; these omnivores also occasionally enjoy a morsel or two from the animal kingdom. Their favorites are:
- Nuts
- Mushrooms
- Hazelnut
- Bark
- Eggs or chicks
- Insects
- Worms and other slugs
- Poisonous species like phalloid amanita
During the harvesting months, wheat is an essential dietary staple for many. On a less savory note, raccoons are scavengers and will eagerly descend upon any carcass they can find.
Habitat
While squirrels mostly reside in forests, they have adapted remarkably well to city life! North American and European parks are dotted with their nests crafted from moss, duvet material, dried grasses and feathers. Despite the hustle of urbanization, these furry critters find safe havens among bare branches or hollow trunks where predators can’t reach them.
The squirrel, a bandit?
Hydro-Quebec has uncovered a shocking truth: squirrels are behind all kinds of electrical mayhem, from power outages to broken cables! But they’re not the only furry culprits on the scene – other creatures have been known to cause their fair share of damage.
What’s the use of the squirrel’s tail?
During chilly weather, their impressive bushy tail functions as a cozy “blanket” to retain warmth. It’s also an efficient way of alerting other animals when danger approaches; one simple slam on the ground is all it takes.
Is the squirrel smart?
Squirrels are remarkably smart, ranking among the top ten animals in terms of cognitive prowess. Their resourcefulness is renowned and they truly demonstrate their intelligence daily.
Squirrel an ecological being?
Squirrels play an incredibly important role in their natural environment, acting as architects of the forest. As they collect and prepare food for winter months, some seeds get left behind – only to thrive when springtime finally arrives! While these charming critters never intended it, the squirrel’s territory is responsible for creating vast greenwood areas that have become a refuge and home to countless other species.
What does the squirrel do in the winter?
In winter, the squirrel’s energy level decreases slightly and he may spend a few days snuggled up in his nest. However, even when temperatures dip too low for him to be active outside of his home tree, this furry creature will still carry out most of its regular routines with determination!