Squirrel
Sciuridae

Small rodents found in woodlands worldwide!
Squirrel Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Rodentia
- Family
- Sciuridae
- Scientific Name
- Sciuridae
Squirrel Conservation Status
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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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.
View all 78 animals that start with SSquirrel 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
- David Burnie, Dorling Kindersley (2011) Animal, The Definitive Visual Guide To The World's Wildlife
- Tom Jackson, Lorenz Books (2007) The World Encyclopedia Of Animals
- David Burnie, Kingfisher (2011) The Kingfisher Animal Encyclopedia
- Richard Mackay, University of California Press (2009) The Atlas Of Endangered Species
- David Burnie, Dorling Kindersley (2008) Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Animals
- Dorling Kindersley (2006) Dorling Kindersley Encyclopedia Of Animals
- David W. Macdonald, Oxford University Press (2010) The Encyclopedia Of Mammals
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