Squirrels are interesting little animals, aren’t they? There are close to 300 species throughout the world. Most people cannot help enjoying them because their antics are fun to watch. It’s fun to watch as they chase each other up and around a tree trunk and seem to be playing hide-and-seek, or as they jump from branch to branch and even tree to tree.
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 will sometimes 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.
There are several varieties of these active little creatures in North America, including the fox, American Red, Chickaree, tufted-eared, black and others. They are all part of the same family, but each is a little different from the others.
The smallest squirrel is the African pygmy, only 4.4-5.4 inches long, including its tail which is almost half of its length. One of the largest is the beautiful Indian giant, nearly three feet long including its tail, with a beautiful rust, black and tan coat with other amazing colors (like purple, blue and red) found on some of them.
Tree squirrels are commonly seen in parks, backyards or in trees along a wooded trail. 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 squirrels are cared for by God, just as He looks after each one of us. Have you ever thanked Him for His love and kindness to you?
(to be continued)
Squirrels are interesting little animals, aren’t they? There are close to 300 species throughout the world. Most people cannot help enjoying them because their antics are fun to watch. It’s fun to watch as they chase each other up and around a tree trunk and seem to be playing hide-and-seek, or as they jump from branch to branch and even tree to tree.
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 will sometimes 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.
There are several varieties of these active little creatures in North America, including the fox, American Red, Chickaree, tufted-eared, black and others. They are all part of the same family, but each is a little different from the others.
The smallest squirrel is the African pygmy, only 4.4-5.4 inches long, including its tail which is almost half of its length. One of the largest is the beautiful Indian giant, nearly three feet long including its tail, with a beautiful rust, black and tan coat with other amazing colors (like purple, blue and red) found on some of them.
Tree squirrels are commonly seen in parks, backyards or in trees along a wooded trail. 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 squirrels are cared for by God, just as He looks after each one of us. Have you ever thanked Him for His love and kindness to you?
(to be continued)