“O Lord, Thou preservest man and beast. How excellent is Thy loving-kindness, O God!”
Psalm 36:67
Squirrels are interesting little animals, aren’t they? There are over two hundred species throughout the world. People cannot help but be interested in them because their antics are fun to watch. The Creator has made them so nimble in scampering up and around a tree trunk as they chase each other and seem to be playing hide-and-seek. Other times they scamper out on a narrow branch, sometimes jumping from branch to branch, hunting for an acorn or other nut or seedpod.
Squirrels have no difficulty holding a nut between their front paws while sitting upright with their big, bushy tails raised in a big loop over their backs. Their sharp teeth and strong jaws can crack open a nutshell very quickly, and they are soon enjoying the treat.
A brave squirrel in a public park sometimes will come timidly to the outstretched hand of a person squatting on the ground and holding out a peanut or other treat. (This is not recommended because of the danger of being bitten.) The squirrel finally will snatch the food and scamper away, often up a nearby tree to a nest hidden there. When it does this, it is often taking the treat to a mother squirrel that is caring for a nest of baby squirrels or perhaps as a treat for itself.
There are several varieties of these active little creatures in North America, including the fox, ringtail, chicaree, tufted-eared, ground and others. They are all part of the same family, but each a little different from the others. The ringtail, one of the smallest, is distinctive with an extra-long tail, thickly covered with wooly fur which forms wide, black-and-white rings over its entire length. The rest of its body is grayish-brown. It has large, sharp eyes and high-pointed ears atop a head that tapers to a sharp point at the snout.
The smallest of all is the African pygmy, only five inches long, including a short tail. The largest is the Indian giant, about three feet long, with a bright red, black and pale-yellow coat.
Tree squirrels are commonly seen in parks, backyards or in trees along a wooded trail or roadway. Using their powerful hind legs, they easily jump from branch to branch, their bushy tails helping them to keep their balance. They can run amazingly fast headfirst down a tree trunk, sharp claws clinging to the bark. Most of their time is spent in trees, but they also search on the ground for nuts, berries, seeds and mushrooms.
The opening Bible verses remind us that these attractive creatures are never left alone, for there is One in heaven above looking after them, just as He looks after each one of us. Have you ever thanked Him for His loving-kindness to you?
(to be continued)
The Indian giant squirrel, standing upright, is taller than a 5year-old kid!
ML-11/25/2007