Squirrel Facts
A squirrel is a small to medium rodent in the family Sciuridae, a group that takes in tree squirrels, ground squirrels such as chipmunks and prairie dogs, and flying squirrels.
- Class
- Mammal
About the squirrel
Squirrels come naturally from Africa, Eurasia and the Americas, and people brought them to Australia. Sizes span a wide range, from pygmy squirrels just 10 to 14 cm long and 12 to 26 g, up to Bhutan's giant flying squirrel, which hits 1.27 m. Some marmots top 8 kg. Most have slim bodies, big eyes, bushy tails and longer back legs than front legs.
Large eyes give squirrels sharp vision, which matters for species that live in trees. Their front teeth keep growing for life, ideal for gnawing. Tree squirrels can run down a trunk headfirst by turning their ankles 180 degrees so the back claws grip the bark. That fluffy tail does several jobs: it shields against rain, wind and cold, helps shed heat, balances leaps and slows falls like a parachute.
Did you know?
- Squirrel fossils go back to the Eocene epoch.
- Their nearest rodent cousins are dormice and the mountain beaver.
- Fine squirrel tail hair is prized for tying fishing flies.
Questions about the squirrel
Where do squirrels live?
Africa, Eurasia and the Americas are their native range, and humans later carried them to Australia.
Why do squirrels have bushy tails?
The tail keeps off rain and cold, helps cool them down, works as a counterweight and parachute, and sends signals.
Sources
- Wikidata Q9482, checked October 8, 2026
- Wikipedia: Squirrel, checked October 8, 2026
Facts are compiled from these open sources and rewritten in our own words. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.