5/31/2012 Squirrels

5/31/2012 1:30 University of Washington Squirrels
Some interesting facts about squirrels:

• They build nests for there young
• They often hold their hands over their hearts
• Squirrel skulls have changed very little over time, which can be observed by looking at their skulls
• They have a wide field of view, but have trouble seeing right in front of them
• Their ankle joints on their back feet can twist all the way around to help them climb and dangle upside down

• Radiotelemetry is used to track squirrel location and find their territory
  Some specific species:
  Eastern Gray: They are smaller and more red than the Western gray, and they have chased the Western gray out and caused them to decline by taking their territory ever since they were introduced to the area in 1925. There are three genetically isolate species. Due to this competition in 1993 the Western gray was placed on the threatened list.
  Yellow Bellied Marmot: The males are larger than the females, causing a wide variation in species size (from 3.5-11 lbs). They are heaviest before hibernation. They are omnivores, use rocks for shelter, and have small litter sizes (3-5).
  Douglas Squirrel: Small, energetic, and doesn’t hibernate. They are found in Western Washington but generally away from urban areas. Are grayish brown with a yellow chest. They live alone in tree holes, underground, and in nests. They are mostly herbivores but occasionally eat insects.
  Columbia ground squirrel: Very small, usually 1-2 lbs. They live in Eastern Washington, Idaho, and Montana. They prefer grassy alpine areas. They live in colonies and are very territorial. They hibernate 7-8 months of the year.
  Antelope Ground Squirrel: There are 5 different species. They are very small (only 0.3 lbs) and live in burrows in Arizona and New Mexico. They are not native to the Northwest area, and prefer rocky, shrub, desert areas. They have large litter sizes- up to 14!

Posted on June 4, 2012 05:47 AM by brooke