If you have a pet squirrel and have noticed that it is unusually small, the answer may be in the genetics. Some gene mutations can cause two-tone squirrels.
Unlike other body parts, the tail is a smaller target for migrating Melano blasts. Therefore, the squirrel’s tail is usually white. These traits are very common in many squirrel species, including Harris’ antelope.
It is generally accepted that 365 species of squirrels inhabit the planet, and size varies among them. In general, squirrels on average weigh only a couple of pounds and don’t get much longer than 2 feet.
A squirrel’s small size is ad advantage to the rodent as it allows it to hide easily from predators and to fit into small spaces to find food and shelter.
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Gray squirrels
Grey squirrels are quite tiny by human standards. These little critters have a very keen sense of smell and can detect small objects within a few inches of their body. They eat a wide variety of plants, insects, fruits, nuts, buds, trees, fungi, and even birds’ eggs.
They are very resourceful and often store food in their burrows. These creatures can bury as many as 25 nuts every hour.
Grey squirrels have two litters a year. Their breeding season begins in January and continues through June. Their gestation period is 44 days. Their young are born blind and hairless, and the young are dependent on their mothers for six weeks.
At around five weeks of age, they start to open their eyes. After that, they grow their incisors and teeth. They can feed on nuts and seeds until they are twelve weeks old.
Harris’ antelope squirrel
This unusually small ground squirrel resembles a chipmunk and lives in rocky areas. It has a white stripe running down its side, like the chipmunk. They typically feed on mesquite beans and cactus fruit, and they have a long tail that extends into the ground. They also eat insects and mice. If you notice one in your yard, you may be able to identify it by the white stripe on its side.
The Harris’ antelope squirrel is a native species of Arizona. It was introduced to the area in 1959. The Arizona gray squirrel is a smaller cousin of the Abert’s, but it still looks unusually small. Visitors to the park may see one, but they will most likely mistake it for a jackrabbit. Harris’ antelope squirrels are most often seen foraging in large oak trees in the Rincon Mountains.
How does a squirrel’s size help it survive?
A squirrel’s small size allows it to hide easily from predators and to fit into small spaces to find food and shelter.
Why do some squirrels have bigger tails than others?
Squirrels with bigger tails have more surface area to help them balance while they are running and climbing.
How do squirrels use their tails?
Squirrels use their tails for balance to help them change direction quickly and to signal to other squirrels.
What kind of fur do squirrels have?
Squirrels have two types of fur: a dense undercoat and longer coarser guard hairs.
How does a squirrel’s fur help it survive?
A squirrel’s fur keeps it warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
It also provides camouflage.
What do squirrels eat?
Squirrels eat mostly nuts and seeds but they will also eat insects buds and fruit.
How do squirrels store food?
Squirrels store food in tree cavities in the ground and in special pouches in their cheeks.
How do squirrels find food?
Squirrels use their sense of smell to find food that they have cached.
They will also eat food that they find while they are foraging.
What is a squirrel’s natural predators?
A squirrel’s natural predators include hawks owls snakes and foxes.
How do squirrels defend themselves?
Squirrels will defend themselves by barking chasing and biting.
They will also try to escape by running and climbing.
What is the average lifespan of a squirrel?
The average lifespan of a squirrel is about 6 years.
What are some diseases that squirrels can get?
Squirrels can get diseases such as rabies and mange.
What do baby squirrels look like?
Baby squirrels are born blind and hairless.
They grow their fur and open their eyes at around 3 weeks old.
How do baby squirrels learn to climb?
Baby squirrels learn to climb by following their mother and by practicing on their own.
How do baby squirrels learn to eat?
Baby squirrels learn to eat by watching their mother and by trial and error.
Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.
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If you have a pet squirrel and have noticed that it is unusually small, the answer may be in the genetics. Some gene mutations can cause two-tone squirrels.
