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Squirrel

Sciuridae

Last updated: January 11, 2021
Verified by: AZ Animals Staff

Small rodents found in woodlands worldwide!

Continue Reading after the facts...


Squirrel Scientific Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Rodentia
Family
Sciuridae
Scientific Name
Sciuridae

Squirrel Conservation Status

  • Near Threatened

Squirrel Locations

  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Central-America
  • Eurasia
  • Europe
  • North-America
  • South-America
Squirrel Locations

Squirrel Facts

Main Prey
Fruit, Seeds, Insects
Habitat
Woodland and dense forests
Predators
Snakes, Coyote, Weasels
Diet
Omnivore
Average Litter Size
3
Lifestyle
  • Solitary
Favorite Food
Fruit
Type
Mammal
Slogan
Small rodents found in woodlands worldwide!

Squirrel Physical Characteristics

Colour
  • Black
  • Grey
  • Brown
  • Tan
  • Red
Skin Type
Fur
Top Speed
16 mph
Lifespan
2-8 years
Weight
250-1,000g (0.5-2.2lbs)

Squirrel Images

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View all of the Squirrel images!

There are many different species of squirrel natively found in the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa. Squirrels are small rodents generally between 10 cm and 20 cm tall, although some species of squirrel-like marmots and prairie dogs around the size of a small beaver.

The red squirrel native to the United Kingdom is rapidly becoming extinct due to the rise in eastern grey squirrel numbers. In the UK grey squirrels are classed as vermin so it is illegal to release any into the wild as the grey squirrel destroys the habitats of the smaller native red squirrel.

There are around 50 species of flying squirrel found in treetops worldwide. These flying squirrels cannot fly as such, but more jump and glide to their destination, with the flying squirrel able to use its shorter tail to help it balance.

There are about six species of ground squirrel still found mainly in America with the exception of the African ground squirrel which resembles a small meerkat. Marmots and prairie dogs can grow to up to 60 cm in length and live for more than 20 years in captivity.

Squirrels eat nuts, berries, shoots and occasionally insects. Most species of squirrel hibernates during the colder winter months, with the squirrels beginning to store food in their dens during the autumn in preparation for the winter.

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Squirrel FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Are Squirrels herbivores, carnivores, or omnivores?

Squirrels are Omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and other animals.

What Kingdom do Squirrels belong to?

Squirrels belong to the Kingdom Animalia.

What phylum do Squirrels belong to?

Squirrels belong to the phylum Chordata.

What class do Squirrels belong to?

Squirrels belong to the class Mammalia.

What family do Squirrels belong to?

Squirrels belong to the family Sciuridae.

What order do Squirrels belong to?

Squirrels belong to the order Rodentia.

What type of covering do Squirrels have?

Squirrels are covered in Fur.

In what type of habitat do Squirrels live?

Squirrels live in woodlands and dense forests.

What is the main prey for Squirrels?

Squirrels eat fruit, seeds, and insects.

What are some predators of Squirrels?

Predators of Squirrels include snakes, coyotes, and weasels.

How many babies do Squirrels have?

The average number of babies a Squirrel has is 3.

What is an interesting fact about Squirrels?

Squirrels are small rodents found in woodlands worldwide!

What is the scientific name for the Squirrel?

The scientific name for the Squirrel is Sciuridae.

Sources
  1. David Burnie, Dorling Kindersley (2011) Animal, The Definitive Visual Guide To The World's Wildlife
  2. Tom Jackson, Lorenz Books (2007) The World Encyclopedia Of Animals
  3. David Burnie, Kingfisher (2011) The Kingfisher Animal Encyclopedia
  4. Richard Mackay, University of California Press (2009) The Atlas Of Endangered Species
  5. David Burnie, Dorling Kindersley (2008) Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Animals
  6. Dorling Kindersley (2006) Dorling Kindersley Encyclopedia Of Animals
  7. David W. Macdonald, Oxford University Press (2010) The Encyclopedia Of Mammals

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