Squirrels are commonly seen on all continents except Australia and Antarctica
regions. Squirrels are quick and cheerful animals who spend their time scurrying,
scavenging, and playing. They are often seen jumping happily from branch to branch
up in the treetops. Squirrels are foragers searching for nuts and seeds, and they
are social animals often seen chasing and playing with other squirrels.
In the cities of North America and England, the eastern gray squirrel is seen
more often than any other wild mammal. Most members of the squirrel family consists
of large eyes, a coat of short fur, and long bushy tails.
Like other rodents,
the species in the squirrel family have four large incisor teeth (an upper and
a lower pair) for gnawing.These teeth grow throughout the life of the animal.
Some species have cheek pouches where they can temporarily hold food, such as
grain, and then deposit it later for storage in a nest or burrow. Many squirrels
are known for their quick movements.
However, they generally do not try
to outrun predators. Squirrels are generally clever and persistent animals. Squirrels
eat mostly plants, including young shoots, buds, berries, tree bark, and other
vegetation. Tree squirrels such as the gray squirrel stay active in cold weather.
Some squirrels are considered to be pests because they eat farm crops.
