8 Nutty and Fun Facts About Squirrels

Updated: Dec. 07, 2022

Learn about the bushy-tailed critters in your backyard. These fun facts about squirrels will make you love these furry animals even more.

If you love to watch these furry critters in your yard, you need to know fun facts about squirrels. Learn how fast squirrels run, how high they can jump and more.

Squirrels Steal Food From Each Other

John Pizniur (B&B reader)Courtesy John Pizniur
A squirrel steals some seed from a bird feeder.

Squirrels are known for constantly foraging and hoarding food… and for stealing! They lose 25 percent of their food to theft by birds and other squirrels.

Check out the best squirrel proof bird feeders and 12 tips that work.

Enjoy a Special Squirrel Holiday

fun facts about squirrelsCourtesy Denise Maynard / Country magazine
Gray squirrel

Celebrate furry friends on January 21: National Squirrel Appreciation Day.

We found 13 funny squirrel pictures you need to see. Plus, check out these 15 fun squirrel gifts for squirrel lovers.

Squirrels in the Big Apple

fun facts about squirrelsCourtesy Rhondalee Spiros / Country magazine
Red squirrel in Old Forge, New York

A handful of these mischievous creatures was first released in 1877 in New York’s Central Park, where the population has since flourished.

Do safflower seeds deter squirrels?

Squirrel Top Speed

fun facts about squirrelsCourtesy Judy Wroda / Country magazine
Albino squirrel

Squirrels are surprisingly fast; at top speed, they can run 20 mph.

Check out 7 top-rated bird feeder squirrel baffles.

Squirrel Feet Are Surprisingly Flexible

fun facts about squirrelsCourtesy Bill Hanch / Country magazine

More fun facts about squirrels — they really should get an action movie deal. Their superhero-like talent to reach seemingly inaccessible bird feeders comes from the ability to rotate their hind feet 180 degrees.

Learn what to feed squirrels (and how to peacefully co-exist). Plus, discover how to tell 5 types of squirrels apart.

Not All Squirrels Are the Same Species

Couypc20 Tina Wiley 001Courtesy Tina Wiley / Country magazine
Golden-mantled ground squirrel

There are 285 squirrel species around the world and three over-arching kinds: ground, tree and flying.

Check out our review of the Squirrel-Buster Plus bird feeder.

How High Can Squirrels Jump?

fun facts about squirrelsCourtesy Daveq Swanson / Country magazine

Most gray squirrel types can pull off an 8-foot jump from a stationary position.

Find out how to create the ultimate backyard wildlife habitat.

Squirrel Teeth Keep Growing

fun facts about squirrelsCourtesy Danielle Nagreen / Country magazine

A squirrel’s four front teeth grow about 10 inches a year. (Gnawing keeps them short.)

Next, learn how to make a DIY squirrel feeder.