Sciuridae

Family and Size Range

Members of the Sciuridae family, commonly known as squirrels, are generally small animals with a very wide size range. At the small end are the African pygmy squirrel and least pygmy squirrel, which have a total length of 10–14 cm (3.9–5.5 in) and weigh only 12–26 g (0.42–0.92 oz).

Maximum Size

At the large end, the Bhutan giant flying squirrel reaches a total length of up to 1.27 m (4 ft 2 in), and several marmot species can weigh 8 kg (18 lb) or more.

General Body Shape

Squirrels typically have slender bodies, long bushy tails, and large eyes. In general, their fur is soft and silky, though the thickness of the fur varies between species.

Coat Coloration

Coat color is highly variable between different species, and often even varies within a single species.

Limb and Toe Structure

In most squirrel species, the hind limbs are longer than the forelimbs, and every species has either four or five toes on each foot.

Foot Characteristics

Squirrel feet often have a poorly developed thumb, have soft pads on their undersides, and bear versatile, sturdy claws that help with grasping and climbing.

Tree Descending Ability

Unlike most mammals, tree squirrels can descend a tree headfirst. They accomplish this by rotating their ankles 180 degrees, which lets their hind feet point backward and grip tree bark from the opposite direction.