1. Diversity: There are over 200 species of squirrels worldwide, ranging in size from tiny African pygmy squirrels to large North American red squirrels.
2. Habitat: Squirrels are adapted to a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, deserts, grasslands, and even urban areas.
3. Diet: Squirrels are omnivorous and have a varied diet that includes nuts, seeds, fruits, insects, tree buds, fungi, and occasionally bird eggs and small vertebrates.
4. Cheek Pouches: Most squirrels have expandable cheek pouches that they use to carry food, often creating visible bulges on their faces when they are full.
5. Climbing and Gliding: Squirrels are known for their agility and ability to climb trees. Some species, like flying squirrels, have special gliding membranes that allow them to jump and glide between trees.
6. Nests: Squirrels build nests, called dreys, in trees, often high above the ground. These nests are made of leaves, twigs, moss, and other materials and serve as shelter and a place to raise young.
7. Social Behavior: Some squirrel species are solitary, while others live in social groups, sometimes referred to as colonies or clans. Social squirrels maintain territories and communicate with each other through various vocalizations and body postures.
8. Intelligence: Squirrels are considered to be intelligent animals, demonstrating problem-solving skills and memory abilities. They can recognize patterns, learn from their experiences, and adapt to changing circumstances.
9. Hibernation: Some squirrel species, particularly those living in colder climates, undergo a period of hibernation during the winter months, during which their body temperature drops, their breathing and heart rate slow down, and they enter a state of deep sleep to conserve energy.
10. Conservation: While many squirrel species are abundant, others face threats from habitat loss, hunting, and illegal pet trade. Some squirrel species are listed as endangered or threatened and protected under conservation laws.