Squirrels

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/28735301

From Worlds Wild

The tufted ground squirrel (Rheithrosciurus macrotis), native to the rainforests of Borneo, holds a wild and whimsical record in the animal kingdom - it boasts the largest tail-to-body size ratio of any known mammal. Incredibly, the volume of its tail, including all the fluffy air-filled fur, measures up to 130% the volume of its body!

This luxurious, over-the-top tail gives the squirrel an almost mythical appearance, like a puffball with legs. While the exact function of such an extravagant tail remains a subject of curiosity, scientists speculate it could serve multiple purposes: camouflage in the dense forest floor, intimidation against predators, or balance while navigating through the underbrush.

Despite its flashy look, the tufted ground squirrel remains something of a mystery. Rarely seen and poorly studied, it's known for its elusive nature and its reputation for cracking open tough nuts that few other creatures can handle - leading some to believe it might be one of the forest's most underrated powerhouses.

Part cloud, part muscle, and all mystery - the tufted ground squirrel is proof that in nature, even the smallest mammals can carry the biggest surprises.

I took this picture on a very cold morning

Crossposted from https://midwest.social/post/19751925

They also seem to realized that the dog can't get them through the glass.

Hi, a family member of mine had seen this article and wants me to share it everywhere since its, so I'm sharing it here so you can see what is going on.

https://www.coffeeandcovid.com/p/requiem-for-a-squirrel-sunday-november?publication_id=463409&post_id=151110896&triggerShare=true&isFreemail=true&triedRedirect=true

On McGill campus, Montréal. Of course :)

👀 White squirrel

@squirrels

European red squirrel, northern Germany.

We live right next to a park, where a tree grows partially over our balcony, so the little one can safely come and go. Over the past weeks she's gotten more curious and has been exploring every corner of the balcony, she's also gotten more comfortable with our presence.

A few days ago we were having tea outside and she joined us briefly, so we put out some hazelnuts and she returned immediately from her lookout on the tree.

First she checked from a safe distance.

She then brought the nuts into several hiding spots around and returned again, at this point she really started to muster us. She then made a big jump right on to our table, ran across it until she sat 30cm in front of my girlfriend and stared right into the camera, that's where we took the title picture.

The photo is slightly out of focus because she ran up to us so boldly, we couldn't turn the zoom down quickly enough.

After that photo we put the camera down, to enjoy the moment more, she ran around us a little bit and then retreated back to her tree.

It seems like we made a friend that day, she comes by periodically, we bought more nuts and although she is careful around us, she accepts our presence. We can move slowly and also talk normally, just fast movements makes her a little skittish.

So greetings from Hazel to all of you, we wish you and your squirrel friends a merry autumn!

Silly little muddy paws of cuteness

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/20047190

Yes! In places. Aberdeen is nearly grey free! The strategy seems to be push that line southwards. Tayside and Dundee has to be next, but the map on the page clearly indicates a chance of defending in the borders too. Great Sunday read for us all

Squirrelly rodent on the McGill campus. Montréal, Québec, Canada

Source: https://ohai.social/@JimsPhotos/112973237502782330