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    Sciuridae – Squirrels

    Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, it’s not hard to see why we are nuts about squirrels

    The name of this Widely distributed family is derived from the ancient Greek word, meaning ‘shadow-tailed,’ and sure enough, they use their tails to communicate with one another (along with squeaks and chattering), to balance, as a raincoat or windbreaker, and even as a parachute!

    Tree squirrels are expert climbers; flying squirrels glide using specialized muscles that stretch between their limbs. Ground squirrels dig elaborate burrows that interconnect via tunnels. The squirrels that don’t hibernate hide (then find!) their food in hundreds of places to avoid their winter supply being stolen in one go, which attests to their powerful memory capabilities.