It is unlikely that there will be at least one person who would not recognize the squirrel. They can be found in almost any city park and even on trees near the house.

Running, jumping and swimming record holders

Scientists know more than three dozen species of squirrels, not counting several related genera, and they live in temperate zones, almost everywhere where trees grow, except perhaps Australia and Antarctica. Crowns of trees - the element of animals. They deftly and at solid speed move along tree trunks, jump from branch to branch and from tree to tree, moreover, their long jumps can reach 10-15 meters.

They jump on the ground, but not so confidently. In this case, the difference in size between the long hind and short front legs is especially noticeable. In addition, proteins can swim superbly. Researchers described cases when they crossed rivers and lakes. But they do this only when it becomes necessary to change their habitat. Under ordinary conditions, they do not like dampness and water, just like the scorching rays of the sun.

Squirrels

But in general, these gentle animals do not like any bad weather: both in the hot midday and on frosty days they prefer to quietly doze off in their nests (gains, as hunters call them), which are equipped according to the highest class. Even their temporary dwellings, converted from bird's nests, they are carefully lined with soft bedding from leaves, dry grass, lichens and moss, and on top they are covered with waterproof "domes".

Unfortunately, such solidity is often not in their favor.Since even in a 15–18-degree frost the temperature in a gain is a comfortable 20 degrees of heat, fleas start there and the proteins have to settle in another nest.

High-calorie nutrition

Favorite protein foods are spruce and pine cones. They gutted them at an enviable speed: to get a few hundred seeds, they need one and a half to three minutes. In addition to cones, squirrels gladly eat all kinds of nuts, which they expertly crack with their sharp front teeth.

The fact that teeth can be broken, these animals should not worry, because new ones grow in place of the lost. Squirrels also feed on mushrooms, wild rose, different berries, acorns, birch catkins, lichens, buds and shoots of trees and shrubs, as well as ants, butterflies, bird eggs and even birds if they can handle them.

The benefits of protein

One of the most characteristic habits of squirrels is their ability to stockpile. All that can be eaten in the cold season, they hide in the hollows of trees, in earthen pits, in the snow, hang and prick on branches. This allows them to survive, but at the same time, they don’t find a fifth of their “hiding places”, which brings even significant benefits to the surrounding nature. Hungry birds can use these reserves, and if seeds, nuts and cones remain unclaimed, then in the spring they usually sprout, replenishing forest growth.