SQUIRRELS
Squirrels are among the most familiar and lovable animals found around us. Whether in forests, gardens, or city parks, these tiny mammals amaze us with their speed, agility, and playful nature. More than 200 species of squirrels live across the world, except in Australia.
A WORLD FULL OF SQUIRRELS
Squirrels belong to the rodent family. Like all rodents, they have four front teeth that never stop growing. They keep these teeth trimmed by constantly gnawing on nuts, seeds, bark, and other food.
THREE AMAZING TYPES OF SQUIRRELS
1. Tree Squirrels
Tree squirrels are the ones we see most often. They are excellent climbers and can leap gracefully from one branch to another. They feed on nuts, acorns, berries, flowers, bark, eggs, and sometimes even tree sap.
2. Ground Squirrels
Ground squirrels live in burrows and tunnel systems underground. They eat roots, leaves, seeds, insects, and caterpillars. Since they have many predators, they use a whistling call to warn other squirrels when danger approaches.
3. Flying Squirrels
Flying squirrels do not actually fly like birds. They glide through the air using flaps of skin stretched between their legs and body. A single glide can cover up to 46 metres (150 feet). They eat fruits, nuts, insects, and even baby birds.
BABY SQUIRRELS
A mother squirrel usually gives birth to 2 to 8 babies at a time. Baby squirrels are born blind and completely depend on their mother for the first two to three months. Because mothers may have several litters in a year, squirrel populations remain healthy in many places.
THE SQUIRREL IN THE RAMAYANA
Indian tradition has a beautiful story about squirrels in the Ramayana. When Lord Rama's Vanara army was building the bridge to Lanka, a tiny squirrel wanted to help. It carried small grains of sand and pebbles to the bridge.
Lord Rama was touched by its devotion and gently stroked its back with his fingers. It is believed that the three stripes on the back of Indian squirrels are the marks of Lord Rama's loving touch.
DID YOU KNOW?
* There are more than 200 species of squirrels in the world.
* Squirrels' front teeth grow throughout their lives.
* Flying squirrels can glide up to 150 feet (46 metres).
* Australia is the only continent where squirrels are not naturally found.
AMAZING FACTS
* Squirrels help forests grow by burying nuts and seeds, many of which later grow into trees.
* They use their bushy tails to balance while climbing and to keep warm during cold weather.
* Ground squirrels communicate with each other using whistles and alarm calls.
LET'S PROTECT SQUIRRELS
Squirrels play an important role in nature by spreading seeds and maintaining healthy forests. We can help protect them by planting trees, avoiding litter, and keeping their natural habitats safe.
MORAL: No act of kindness is ever too small. Like the little squirrel in the Ramayana, every effort counts.
