Squirrel

From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Squirrels are rodents, related to marmots and groundhogs. Most squirrels are omnivores; they eat anything they find. However, squirrels often live in trees, and therefore find nuts frequently. Squirrels are well known in Eurasia and North America. The most common European squirrels are red or brown in color, while common American squirrels are usually grey or black. Grey squirrels have been introduced into Europe (most notably, Great Britain). Grey squirrels cause problems to the red squirrel's population there. Red squirrels are protected in most of Europe.

[edit] Life cycle

Squirrels mate in February and March in winter, and in June and July in summer. Females may become pregnant up to twice a year. Usually 4-6 young are born, after a gestation period (pregnancy) of around 39 days. Only the mother looks after the young, which are born completely helpless. Young squirrels are deaf and blind during the first few weeks of their life. In the wild, squirrels get about 3 years old. They usually become mature after two. In captivity, squirrels were observed to live for up to 10 years.

[edit] Pictures

A European (red) Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris)

Another European red squirrel (Sc. vulgaris)

An Eastern Grey Squirrel (Sc. carolinensis)

Another Grey Squirrel, on a tree.