The squirrel is a part of the rodent family. They are found living in Europe, Africa, Asia, and both North and South America. In the UK, large Eastern grey squirrels have largely replaced smaller native red squirrels by taking over their habitats and being more aggressive.
Squirrels range in size from the African Pygmy Squirrel which is typically around 7 - 10cm long and weighs only around 10 grams to the Alpine Marmot which is around 57 - 73cm. And weighs 5 -8kg. They are found in almost every climate from tropical rainforests to deserts.
Red squirrels are still found in more rural areas and nature reserves but they are far more common in Scotland and Wales than in England as grey squirrels appear to have adopted to sharing their environment with human beings much better and are often found in large city centres.
Squirrel is the common name for rodents of the Sciuridae family. In the spoken English language it generally refers to members belonging to the genera Sciurus and Tamiasciurus. These are tree squirrels that have large bushy tails. However, flying squirrels, and ground squirrels like the woodchucks, prairie dogs, and chipmunks are also included in the Sciuridae. These are predominantly found in the Americas but also have similar relatives in Africa. Squirrels breed once or twice a year, and give birth to a varying number of young after three to six weeks, depending on species.
Anomaluridae, an unrelated family, also has 'squirrel' in its common name, but they are generally referred to as "scaly-tailed flying squirrels". The word 'squirrel' has its origins in the Old French 'esqurial', which has its origins in the Vulgar Latin word 'scuriolus'. The pronunciation for this name varies.
Squirrels range in size from the African Pygmy Squirrel which is typically around 7 - 10cm long and weighs only around 10 grams to the Alpine Marmot which is around 57 - 73cm. And weighs 5 -8kg. They are found in almost every climate from tropical rainforests to deserts.
Red squirrels are still found in more rural areas and nature reserves but they are far more common in Scotland and Wales than in England as grey squirrels appear to have adopted to sharing their environment with human beings much better and are often found in large city centres.
Squirrel is the common name for rodents of the Sciuridae family. In the spoken English language it generally refers to members belonging to the genera Sciurus and Tamiasciurus. These are tree squirrels that have large bushy tails. However, flying squirrels, and ground squirrels like the woodchucks, prairie dogs, and chipmunks are also included in the Sciuridae. These are predominantly found in the Americas but also have similar relatives in Africa. Squirrels breed once or twice a year, and give birth to a varying number of young after three to six weeks, depending on species.
Anomaluridae, an unrelated family, also has 'squirrel' in its common name, but they are generally referred to as "scaly-tailed flying squirrels". The word 'squirrel' has its origins in the Old French 'esqurial', which has its origins in the Vulgar Latin word 'scuriolus'. The pronunciation for this name varies.
