10 surprisingly interesting facts about squirrels that most people miss

They’re quick, curious, and always on the move. But squirrels aren’t just those little creatures darting across trees or wires– they’re way more interesting than they get credit for. If you take a moment to really observe them– in a park, garden, or even a city lane– you’ll see just how clever and adaptable they are.

From how they store food to how they navigate city life, here are 10 fun and surprising things about squirrels that might change the way you see them.

Squirrels love to bury nuts and seeds to save for later, especially before winter. But here’s the twist: they don’t always remember where they’ve hidden everything. And that’s actually a good thing! Many of those forgotten nuts grow into trees, helping forests thrive. Without even knowing it, squirrels play a role in replanting nature.

Squirrels have sharp front teeth that grow nonstop. To keep them from getting too long, squirrels need to chew regularly– on bark, branches, even wires or pipes. It’s not random mischief– it’s how they keep their teeth at the right size so they can keep eating properly.

While tree squirrels are the ones we spot most often, there’s a whole group called ground squirrels. These ones prefer digging and make their homes in burrows underground. Their tunnels work like mini homes– with sleeping areas, storage, and baby rooms. They may not be climbing trees, but they’re just as sharp when it comes to staying safe.

That big bushy tail you see on squirrels is actually super useful. It helps them balance when they jump, keeps them warm like a built-in blanket, and even acts like a signal flag when they sense danger. In the rain, it can work like a mini umbrella. It’s one of their best survival tools.

Squirrels aren’t just smart– they can be sneaky too. When they think someone’s watching, they sometimes pretend to hide a nut in one spot, but then secretly bury it somewhere else. It’s their way of protecting their stash. These clever tricks show how good they are at thinking on their feet.

Flying squirrels don’t actually “fly” like birds, but they can glide really far. They have a flap of skin between their front and back legs that acts like a parachute. When they jump, they stretch out and glide smoothly from one tree to another– sometimes over 90 metres! It’s an impressive trick for such a small animal.

Most animals can’t go down a tree headfirst, but squirrels can. That’s because their back ankles can twist around, giving them grip on the bark as they move downward. It’s a rare skill– and it’s why squirrels can climb so confidently in any direction.

Squirrels are quick learners– and they’ve figured out how to live alongside humans. You’ll find them in city parks, gardens, rooftops, and even attics. They dart across power lines, eat from bird feeders, and make nests wherever they find a safe spot. They’ve adapted so well that cities are almost like forests to them now.
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Images: Canva (for representative purposes only)

Ground squirrels hibernate during winter by sleeping deeply for weeks. But tree squirrels– the kind we usually see in neighbourhoods– don’t hibernate fully. Instead, they stay active all year. In colder months, they stay in their nests more and live off the food they hid earlier. Their thick fur and bushy tails help them stay warm.

Squirrels may not speak, but they definitely have a way of talking. They make high-pitched warning calls, especially when they sense danger. They also flick or twitch their tails to signal other squirrels– whether it’s a warning, a message to back off, or just part of a routine. Their body language is smarter than it seems.