1. Squirrels can jump a distance of up to 20 feet. They have
long, muscular hind legs and short front legs that work together to aid in
leaping.
2. The hind legs of squirrels are double-jointed. This helps
them run up and down trees quickly.
3. A male squirrel can smell a female in heat up to a mile
away. Mating season is February through May with a 44-day gestation period.
Typically 2-4 young are born per liter.
4. Squirrels have 5 toes on their back feet and 4 toes on their
front. Their front toes are very sharp and help in gripping tree bark for
climbing.
5. Squirrels in general are found on every continent except
Antarctica and Australia.
6. Squirrels can fall up to 100 feet without hurting
themselves. They'll use their tail both for balance and as a parachute.
7. The hibernating artic ground squirrel is the only
warm-blooded mammal able to withstand body temperatures below freezing.
8. Squirrels eyes are positioned in such a way that they can
see some things behind them.
Squirrels can be a big problem once they get into your property. Check out www.squirrelproblems.org and learn how to keep squirrels away from your home and garden!