Squirrels are small to medium-sized rodents which will fall into one or more of the three following categories: 1) squirrel , 2) ground squirrel, and 3) flying phalanger . They belong to the Animalia family, Sciuridae, which also includes animals like chipmunks and prairie dogs, also as, woodchucks, groundhogs, and other species of marmot.
Origins
Squirrels are indigenous to Africa, Eurasia, and therefore the Americas, but were eventually introduced to Australia also . they need even been linked all the way back to the Eocene period, over 30 million years ago! and that they are very closely associated with mountain beavers and dormice.
Size and Appearance
Squirrels are most known for his or her big bushy tails and tiny dexterous paws. they vary in size, counting on species, gender, and basic genetics. as an example , the African pygmy squirrel are often as small as 7 to 10 centimeters and weigh but half an oz , whereas the Alpine marmot measures in at over 2 feet long and up to 18 pounds! But the quality squirrel is anywhere from 1 to 2 feet tall, and weighs a pound or two at the most . Squirrels also are available a variety of colours , from grays and whites, to browns, reds, and even reminder golden yellow. But their underbellies are always a special color than their short coats and long tails.
Habitat and Diet
Squirrels sleep in wooded or forested areas where there's an abundance of trees, undergrowth, and plants, also as a reliable water source. this is often also thanks to their primary diet of nuts, seeds, flowers, mushrooms, and herbaceous plants. Some squirrels prefer widely-spaced forests with oaks, pines, and mixed tree species, while others, just like the Eastern grey, squirrel, prefers trees that are closer together so as to maneuver from tree to tree between canopies. They either build their nests out of tree branches, leaves, and organic material, or they find a tree cavity for shelter.
Pest Problems
Due to overdevelopment, many squirrels are being forced out of their natural habitat and into urban and suburban neighborhoods, causing them to become pests in most areas. they create messes of bird feeders, and eat up all the bird feed. They damage gardens, siding, attics, electrical wiring, insulation, and more. For this reason, wildlife control services are sometimes necessary for property owners experiencing squirrel problems.
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