Squirrels are cute and furry creatures that are found all over the world. They belong to the rodent family, which includes mice, rats, and beavers. Kids are fascinated by these little animals, and there are many interesting facts about squirrels that can make their day.
Here are some of the fascinating facts about squirrels that will amaze kids:
1. Squirrels can jump very high
Squirrels are known to jump great distances. In fact, they can jump up to six times their own body length. That means if a squirrel is 1 foot long, it could jump 6 feet in one leap! That makes them excellent climbers, which is why you often see them running up and down trees.
2. Squirrels are great at storing food
Squirrels are experts at storing nuts for the winter. They can store thousands of nuts, seeds, and acorns in their underground burrows. They have a good memory of where they have stored their food, and this helps them find it during the winter months when food is scarce.
3. Squirrels have sharp teeth
Squirrels have razor-sharp teeth that never stop growing. They need to gnaw on hard objects such as tree branches and nuts to keep their teeth in check. Kids should not approach squirrels as they can bite if they feel threatened.
4. Squirrels have long bushy tails
Squirrels have long bushy tails that help them balance while they climb trees. They also use their tails as a blanket to keep themselves warm during the winter. Contrary to popular belief, it is not true that squirrels hibernate during the winter months. Instead, they become less active and spend more time in their burrows.
5. Squirrels have excellent eyesight
Squirrels have very good eyesight, which helps them spot predators from far away. They also have excellent peripheral vision, which allows them to see danger from all sides.
6. There are many different types of squirrels
There are over 200 species of squirrels in the world. Some of the most common types of squirrels include the gray squirrel, red squirrel, and flying squirrel. Each species of squirrel is unique and has its own characteristics.
