Squirrels are more than just cute critters with fluffy tails. They are complex animals with behaviors and traits that are both fascinating and sometimes downright funny!
Masters of Disguise
Did you know that squirrels are quite the tricksters? To protect their precious nut stash from other animals, they’ll sometimes pretend to bury a nut by digging a hole and covering it up, all without actually depositing their treasure. This act of deception is called “deceptive caching,” and it’s quite the clever tactic!
A Squirrel’s Sense of Smell
A squirrel’s nose is pretty powerful. It helps them to find their buried nuts even under a blanket of snow. Their sense of smell is so good that they can locate food hidden beneath a foot of snow and remember the location of thousands of nuts they’ve buried.
Squirrels and Their Silver Screen Moments
Squirrels have been known to interrupt sporting events and have even been caught on camera water skiing! They may not be movie stars, but they’re certainly capable of stealing the spotlight with their charming antics.
The Great Squirrel Migration
While squirrels are not known to migrate like birds, they do sometimes move in large numbers. This usually happens when there’s a shortage of food in their home territory. These movements, known as ‘squirrel migrations,’ can involve hundreds or even thousands of squirrels!
A Squirrel’s Tail Tells a Tale
A squirrel’s bushy tail is not just for show. It helps them balance on tightropes of branches and acts as a parachute when they leap from great heights. In winter, it becomes a cozy blanket to keep them warm.
Eco-Friendly Gardeners
Squirrels might not know it, but they’re great at gardening. The nuts they forget to dig up can grow into new trees, helping to spread the forest. Thanks to these little guys, our planet gets a little greener every year.
Encourage your child’s love for wildlife by downloading our charming squirrel coloring page. It’s a great way to engage with nature’s playful side and learn about these interesting animals in a fun and creative way!
