You can spot squirrels just about anywhere—up in trees, under the ground, or even darting around city parks. Most squirrels actually build their homes in tree nests (dreys) or hollow tree cavities, while ground squirrels dig burrows, and flying squirrels glide to tree hollows for nesting. Let’s look at which types of homes fit which…
Ever spot a squirrel darting along a fence or rustling around in a park and wonder who its relatives might be? Squirrels fall under the family Sciuridae, so their closest kin include chipmunks, marmots, prairie dogs, and flying squirrels — all hanging out on the same family tree. It’s honestly fascinating how those groups all…
If you know where to look, you’ll spot traces of squirrels in ancient Greece—in language, landscapes, and old stories. Archaeology and ancient words tell us squirrels lived in Greek lands, and people noticed their quick moves and bushy tails. Let’s dig into which species likely lived there, what the Greeks called them, and how these…
When you think of squirrels, you probably picture a fluffy little acrobat racing up a tree. But here’s something wild—squirrels actually survived the long, icy stretches of the Ice Age. Yep, squirrels and their ancestors made it through those frigid periods. Fossils and even frozen remains show how they managed to stick around in those…
Ever imagine a tiny acorn-crazy squirrel darting across a snowy Ice Age plain? Turns out, squirrels and their ancestors really did live during those frigid times—just not the wild, saber-toothed cartoon ones from the movies. Let’s dig into which squirrel types actually roamed back then, what fossils have revealed, and how pop culture has muddled…
Ever spot those tiny furballs darting around in the trees and wonder what to call them? People usually call baby squirrels kits, kittens, or sometimes pups — and a group of them is a litter. That simple name says a lot about their size, how they act, and the kind of care they need. Stick…
You see squirrels everywhere—darting through trees, raiding your bird feeder, or just rustling around in the garden. They might look bold, but honestly, they’re on high alert for dangers like hawks, owls, foxes, and even sudden noises. Strong smells and anything unfamiliar that hints at a predator will send them running. If you know what…
You might stroll through a city park and assume squirrels have always belonged there. Actually, people brought many of them into towns on purpose. Yep — back in the 1800s, folks introduced city squirrels to make parks feel more lively and pleasant. Those early releases really shaped the urban wildlife scene you see today. Planners…
Ever wondered if squirrels were ever really domesticated, or if you could actually tame one? Squirrels are wild animals and have never been truly domesticated like dogs or cats, so, honestly, you can’t expect them to behave like your average house pet or follow commands. Let’s dig into why squirrels stay wild, what actually happens…
It might surprise you, but most squirrel species found their way to North America long before humans ever showed up. Some squirrels made their way here by crossing vast land bridges during the Ice Age, while people later brought a few types into parks and cities for their own reasons. Let’s look at how ancient…