I’m a Squirrel

I’m an amazing animal.

You can see me in the trees that dot your neighborhood or in your backyard and maybe on your roof from your bedroom window.

I’m a runner.

I’m a climber.

I’m a wire walker.

I’m an acrobat.

I can do it all.

It’s like I can fly.

I really can’t but I’m good at clinging on to the tree branches and climbing as I manage to get around and search for food.

I’m also good at landing safely on my feet as I twist and turn my body in the air and use my tail to help me make my descent like someone parachuting and coming to a landing stop.

We know how to be adventurous and have fun.

We are seen just about anywhere and we live among humans and all kinds of animals in an ecosystem where we have to be prepared always to run to protect ourselves from inherent dangers.

Squirrels are scavengers and will eat almost anything they can find if they can digest it.

They particularly like vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and acorns but will settle for insects and whatever they can find in your trash or on your backyard porch.

Sometimes they’ll even eat cat and dog food, breakfast cereal and cheese left outside.

They’ll even eat your leftover pizza from the scraps in your garbage pails.

Squirrels also need water in their diet.

Farmers and gardeners have a hard time keeping squirrels away from their crops and gardens as squirrels are known to feast on vegetables and fruits.

Squirrels are considered wild animals so you can appreciate them from a distance but they are not domesticated.

They’re meant to live outdoors but you can leave food out for them and they will pay a visit again and again if you do it regularly but be prepared to then feed all the animals in the neighborhood.

If you leave it outside for them, they will come.

Since squirrels are outdoor animals they don’t have long lifespans and they must always be seeking protection and proper shelter.

They usually live no more than 10 years and some are lucky to see their first birthday since they live with many hazards.

They must be careful of cars and other vehicles that line the roads because they do run around a lot especially in neighborhoods and on roads.

They also have to be careful of predatory animals.

Squirrels are independent animals and live solitary lives and only spend time with their mothers and siblings in the nest for a short time before they go out on their own.

Squirrels prepare for the winter by gathering and storing their food in the ground especially the nuts they collect and then seek a den to live and the company of some squirrels in a scurry or small group to stay warm in the cold months.

When you see a squirrel you can’t help but wonder how amazing they are. Children love to see squirrels climbing trees, walking wires, jumping on fences and nibbling on their acorns while they get a chance to eat.

There are wonderful children’s movies that portray squirrels.

One movie that comes to mind that is very popular with the children is Over the Hedge which centers around a raccoon and his relationships with a bear and other animals in the neighborhood including Hammy, a red squirrel who is friendly but is hyperactive and childish but very sweet.

There are 289 species of squirrels and the most common one that we see is the grey squirrel.

The smallest squirrel in the world is the African pygmy squirrel which is more the size of a mouse and the largest is the Indian giant squirrel which can grow to 3 feet in size.

Squirrels are very fast and can be clocked at nearly 20 mph while the grey squirrel 12 mph but the bunny is still faster at 25 to 40 mph.

If you see me running in the street please be careful as I want to live my life and run around another day because I’m a squirrel.