squirrel

Indian giant squirrel Ratufa indica in the rainforest. Giant squirrels can weigh up to 3 kg/6.5 lb.

Rodent of the family Sciuridae. Squirrels are found worldwide except for Australia, Madagascar, and polar regions. Some are tree dwellers; these generally have bushy tails, and some, with membranes between their legs, are called flying squirrels. Others are terrestrial, generally burrowing forms called ground squirrels; these include chipmunks, gophers, marmots, and prairie dogs.

The small red squirrel Tamia sciurus of Alaska, Canada, the Rocky Mountains, and northeastern USA, grows to 35 cm/14 in including the tail, builds large tree nests and accumulates the cones of spruce and other conifers for winter use. The larger eastern grey squirrel Sciurus carolinensis of eastern North America grows to 50 cm/20 in including tail, stores nuts and acorns, and is a common sight in city parks and suburbs.