NathanThe Origin Of Their Name
All tree squirrels are from the genus Sciurus, that has originated from the Greek words “skia” which translates to shadow and “oura” which means tail. This name is supposedly derived form the habit that tree squirrels’ has of hiding in the shadow of their fluffy tails. Tree squirrels were quite the novelty in New York City in the past years.
Battling Decrease In Number
In July 1856, people present at the New York’s Central Park were astounded to feast their eyes on a gray squirrel. Tree squirrels were slowly vanishing in the U.S. cities during the mid-19th century, however, after parks and trees were added, it resulted in the growth of the number of squirrels. The red squirrels have been slowly withering away in the U.K. because of the competitive American gray squirrel.
Invasive Species
Eastern grays are found to be most common in the U.S. when it comes to tree squirrels and humans have actually contributed a lot in spreading them across western North America to Europe and South Africa. Eastern grays have taken over U.K., and are replacing the native red squirrels slowly. Some Britons have eluded to eating gray squirrels as a part of battling the invasive species of squirrels.
As Food?
There is a long history of squirrels being used as meals in America as well. They serve as popular dishes in the form of Kentucky burgoo and Brunswick stew. Squirrel meat has slowly lost its repertoire in recent times especially the flying squirrels. Americans are continuing to feed and hunt eastern grays. Squirrels als serve as a food source for predators like snakes, coyotes, hawks and owls.
Squirrels Are Omnivores
Tree squirrels even though they feed on nuts, seeds and fruit still belong to the omnivores. The gray squirrels, for instance are known to digest insects, snails, bird eggs and animal carcasses if in case the other food they usually feed on is scarce.
No Vomits
There is a very strange thing that squirrels are not capable of doing. They just like majority of the rodents are incapable of vomiting. Squirrels are not able to burp or feel heartburn. Lucky or unlucky for them, you decide? A fox squirrel is the largest species of tree squirrels that can be found in North American are known to be quite flexible in their diet.