Sciuridae

Squirrels are small to medium-sized rodents known for their agile and arboreal lifestyle. They are highly adaptable and can be found in various habitats, including forests, urban areas, and parks. Squirrels are active during the day, spending much of their time foraging for food and storing it in caches for later use.

Breeding seasons vary depending on the species and location, with most squirrels breeding twice a year. Females give birth to litters of typically 2 to 6 young, known as kits or pups, after a gestation period of about 4 to 6 weeks. Squirrels are known for their elaborate nests, called dreys, which they build in trees to raise their young.

Squirrels have a bushy tail, sharp claws, and strong hind legs, which enable them to climb and leap with agility. They have keen senses of sight, smell, and hearing, which help them detect predators and locate food. Squirrels are omnivores, feeding on a diet that includes nuts, seeds, fruits, insects, and small vertebrates.

Squirrels have coexisted with humans for centuries and are often depicted in folklore, literature, and art. They have been both admired for their acrobatic abilities and considered pests for their tendency to raid bird feeders and damage crops.

Squirrels are generally abundant and not considered endangered. However, some species face threats from habitat loss, urbanization, and pollution. Conservation efforts aim to protect squirrel habitats and promote coexistence with humans.