Species: tree squirrel

A tree squirrel is the animal most people think of when they think of "squirrel". They are distinguished from ground squirrels by their tree-living habits. Their most notable physical feature is their large, bushy tail that helps act as a parachute when they jump. Some red squirrels grow prominent ear tufts in the winter, giving their ears a pointed appearance.

Tree squirrels are remarkable creatures, capable of falling from heights without harming themselves, landing on their feet, and possess excellent senses of smell and sight. They have adapted well to co-existing with humans and are often regarded as pests. They are notorious and determined raiders of bird feeders and can cause damage to property when they decide to nest in buildings. Their climbing and gnawing habits have led them to occasionally climb on electrical equipment and cause power outages, including bringing down the NASDAQ stock market twice.

They are also well loved in some areas. In Longview, Washington, USA, a tree bridge called Nutty Narrows is strung over one of the busy city streets to reduce squirrel deaths. Populations of white and albino squirrels exist on several US college campuses and are protected by local laws.

Although they love peanuts and sunflower seeds, squirrels shouldn't have their diet consist of these as both are deficient in essential nutrients for the rodents. Bone disease is common in malnourished squirrels who overindulge in these foods.

Tagging: Tree squirrels can be told from other squirrels by their large, bushy tails. Some will have pointed ears from ear tufts. Chances are if it's a rodent that makes you think "squirrel" when you look at it, it's a tree_squirrel.

In contrast, ground squirrels will typically be tagged via implication. For example, chipmunk will directly imply ground_squirrel.

Flying squirrels are similar to tree squirrels, but are distinguished from them by the patagium (gliding membrane) between their arms and legs. They shouldn't be tagged as tree_squirrel.