Newsletter (Squirrels)
Published on: December 26, 2008
This is a fun biology activity for children of all ages. It's easy to study wildlife and habitats in your own neigborhood.
Check out the free anatomy science and reading cards.
There are also free matching reading cards that illustrate what type of food a squirrel. likes to eat
Squirrels
Squirrels live in so many parts of the world. There are about 270 species. They are found almost everywhere, except in Australia and Antarctica. They are intelligent rodents who share our backyards. The destruction of forests and grasslands is the only thing endangering their existence.
Sometimes squirrels are called tree rats. They are rodents who are related to beavers, mice and rats. There are three major types of squirrels, tree squirrels, flying squirrels and ground squirrels. The most common squirrel in North America and Europe is the gray squirrel.
Squirrels make nests in large bird houses, barns, attics and in trees.
Look up at your trees
to see if you can find a squirrel's nest. Find a big mess of leaves, cloth and grasses stuck between the branches.
Tree squirrels are diurnal . They have a keen sense of smell they use for foraging food. The Eastern Gray Squirrel and Western Gray Squirrel are common to North America. I share my Colorado backyard with Fox Squirrels . In the Colorado forests you find black Abert's Squirrels .
Flying squirrels
live in forests and are nocturnal. They don't fly, but glide. Most of these squirrels live in South Asia, but there are two species that live in North America.
Ground squirrels
include
chipmunks
,
prairie dogs
and
groundhogs
.
Printouts
References
- Free online book- The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin by Beatrix Potter
- Squirrel Songs
- Free Squirrel Clip Art
- Free Unit on Squirrels and Their Habitats
- Free plan s for squirrel nesting boxes and feeders I love the bird proof squirrel feeder!
- This has a plan using an old tire for a squirrel house .
- Squirrel Appreciation Day