Squirrels can jump a distance of up to 20 feet. They have long, muscular hind legs and short front legs that work together to aid in leaping. The hind legs of squirrels are double-jointed. This helps them run up and down trees quickly. A male squirrel can smell a female in heat up to a mile away. Mating season is February through May with a 44-day gestation period. Typically 2-4 young are born per litter. Squirrels have 5 toes on their back feet and 4 toes on their front. Their front toes are very sharp and help in gripping tree bark for climbing. In addition, the back feet are longer than the front. In addition to residing in the Eastern US, Eastern Gray Squirrels can be found in many Western states, Great Britain, Ireland and South Africa. Squirrels in general are found on every continent except Antarctica and Australia. Squirrels can eat their own body weight (approximately 1.5 pounds) every week. Squirrels can fall up to 100 feet without hurting themselves. They'll use their tail both for balance and as a parachute. The hibernating artic ground squirrel is the only warm-blooded mammal able to withstand body temperatures below freezing. Squirrels eyes are positioned in such a way that they can see some things behind them. The word "squirrel" means "shadow tail" in Greek. ------------------ It's my way or the highway!
http://web.wt.net/~psherr/squirrel_hazing.htm The above site provides the behavioral truth about these creatures. You will be astonished and amazed.. ------------------ It's my way or the highway! [This message has been edited by ROXRAN (edited May 01, 2001).]
What kind of squirrels are in YOUR area? ------------------ [This message has been edited by Band Geek Mobster (edited May 01, 2001).]
squirrels are scary. i randomly looked in a trash can one time, and one jumped out at me. it freaked me out and now when ever i see one i get scared. theyre too little and fast and creepy. ------------------ make it stop.
Facts or not...there is only ONE kinda squirrel in my backyard. hehe ------------------ "Me entiendes Mendes? O te explico Federico?" [This message has been edited by mr_oily (edited May 01, 2001).]
I love squirrels. They are some of the smartest rodents I have ever seen. In fact, several years ago, I wrote a little short Sci Fi story about how squirrels are actually superintelligent, and look down upon humans with disgust. ------------------ Give me ambiguity or give me something else. Sign up for season 2 of the CC.net NBA Sim League! http://bbs.clutchcity.net/ubb/Forum12/HTML/000328.html
Well...they are pretty cute, especially the baby ones. My dogs just love to catch and eat them though. ------------------ "Me entiendes Mendes? O te explico Federico?"
One just died on my street today when it fell out of a tree. ------------------ So, I took the million dollars and bought a steaam shovel.
Squirrels are out to get me. Once, when I was at the Grand Canyon, I was ahead of the group going down the path. A squirrel ran out in front of me. I stopped, thinking it odd. Then I heard another scurry up behind me to block my escape. A third came up the shoulder on my left. The right was a rocky wall with a bunch of chinks that I knew was housing a horde of the little beasties. Fortunately, my sister ran up before they could close in and scared them away. I was similarly cornered once at Rice University. And, in Chicago, I was sitting in the park eating lunch and a squirrel came up to take the food out of my hands. I tried to chase him off, but he'd keep coming back. I was stomping and throwing stuff at him, but he wouldn't be deterred and I had to leave. The scariest part, though, was that he wouldn't hop like a squirrel, he creeped like a rat. ------------------ RealGM Gafford Art Artisan Cakes
I don't think we even HAVE squirrels here... though I could be wrong... I've always wanted to come face to face with one, actually ------------------ Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow. Don't walk behind me, I may not lead. Just walk beside me and be my friend... =o)
