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Intro to Squirrels 103: "Little Known Facts About Squirrels"

Here are some interesting facts about squirrels:

Squirrels can jump a distance of up to 20 feet. They have long, muscular hind legs and short front legs that work together to aid in leaping.
The hind legs of squirrels are double-jointed. This helps them run up and down trees quickly.
A male squirrel can smell a female in heat up to a mile away. Mating season is February through May with a 44-day gestation period. Typically 2-4 young are born per liter.
Squirrels have 5 toes on their back feet and 4 toes on their front. Their front toes are very sharp and help in gripping tree bark for climbing.
In addition to residing in the Eastern US, Eastern Gray Squirrels can be found in many Western states, Great Britain, Ireland and South Africa.
Squirrels in general are found on every continent except Antarctica and Australia.
Squirrels can eat their own body weight (approximately 1.5 pounds) every week.
Squirrels can fall up to 100 feet without hurting themselves. They'll use their tail both for balance and as a parachute.
The hibernating artic ground squirrel is the only warm-blooded mammal able to withstand body temperatures below freezing.
Squirrels eyes are positioned in such a way that they can see some things behind them.
The word "squirrel" means "shadow tail" in Greek.