The Probert Encyclopaedia of Nature

SQUIRREL

Squirrel is a popular name for the many rodents of the family Sciuridae, which also includes the woodchuck, chipmunk , and prairie dog . the genus Sciurus includes many common species of what are generally known as
squirrels, such as the red squirrel and grey squirrel so common in Britain. The subfamily Sciurinae includes the tree and ground squirrels, with about 225 species; and the subfamily Petauristinae includes the so-called flying- squirrels, with about 35 species.

Squirrels range in size from the pygmy squirrels (Myosciurus) of Africa, which are about 13 centimetres long, to the giant squirrels (Ratufa) of Asia, which are about 90 centimetres long. Squirrels are found in all parts of the world except Australia. Except for the ground squirrels, the animals live mainly in trees, and their food is largely vegetable (especially nuts, seeds, and buds), although they occasionally eat insects. Their habit of storing seeds helps in the dispersion of trees and other plant forms. In colder climates, ground squirrels commonly hibernate; tree squirrels do not.
Research Squirrel