Squirrels are interesting little animals, aren't they? There are some 200 species throughout the world. People cannot help but be interested in them, because their antics are fun to watch. The Creator has made them very nimble in scampering up and around a tree trunk, as though playing hide-and-seek. At other times they scamper out on a narrow branch, hunting for a hazelnut, acorn or walnut.
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 nut shell very quickly, and they are soon enjoying the treat.
Brave ones in public parks will often come timidly to the outstretched hand of a boy or girl squatting on the ground and holding a peanut or other treat for them. They finally will snatch the food and scamper away, often up a nearby tree to a nest hidden there. When they do this, they often are taking the treat to a mother squirrel caring for a nest of baby squirrels, or as a treat to a younger one.
There are several varieties of these active little creatures in North America, including the fox, ringtail, chicaree, tuft-eared, ground and others. They are all part of the same family, but each a little different from the others. For instance, 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 or trees along a wooded trail or road. With powerful hind legs they easily jump from limb to limb, 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 Bible verses quoted above remind us that these attractive creatures are never left alone, for there is One in heaven above looking after them, as He also looks after each of us. Have you ever thanked Him for His loving-kindness to you?