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North American Squirrels
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Squirrels are one of the most easily recognizable animals and widely distributed animals in North America. They are popular for their liveliness and natural curiosity. It is hard to imagine that squirrels were running around North America between 54 and 37 million years ago. Squirrels are characterized by any of a group of small to medium-sized gnawing mammals with a long cylindrical body, a furry tail, and powerful jaws. The word squirrel comes from the Greek, and means shadow tail. Squirrels have many similarities between species and just as many differences. Similarities include the sharp incisor teeth and powerful jaw muscles. They are well suited for gnawing through hard-shelled nuts and thick pine cones. Their sharp claws and flexible bodies help them grasp branches and leap from tree to tree. Their tails act as a balancer when leaping and climbing. It also serves as a blanket and as a signaling device when waved vigorously from a high perch. Some of the squirrels differences between species will be evident when broken down into categories of squirrels in North America. Member of the squirrel family in North America can be divided into three groups; ground squirrels, tree squirrels, and flying squirrels. Ground squirrels are compact, short-tailed, burrowing rodents that are especially abundant in open country, such as grasslands and tundra.
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