Fun Variegated Squirrel Facts For Kids

The variegated squirrel (Sciurus Variegatoides) is a solitary and arboreal species native to North and Central America. Fifteen subspecies are recognised which are mostly found in El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Mexico among others. Tree squirrels are very abundant across the globe and can be found living in secondary growth and plantations. However, variegated squirrels kept as pets can pose potential threats as they are carriers of the bornavirus which can cause human fatality.If you like reading this article about the variegated squirrel, you may also want to check out facts about the pin-tailed whydah and southern royal albatross.‍

What do they prey on? Insects

What do they eat? Herbivore

Average litter size? 2-8

How much do they weigh? 1.1-2 lb (500-900 g)

How long are they? 20 in (50 cm)

How tall are they? 10.2 in (26 cm)

What do they look like? Orange, brown, black, and white

Skin Type Fur

What were their main threats? N/a

What is their conservation status? Least Concern

Where you’ll find them? Trees

Locations North And Central America

Kingdom Animalia

Genus Sciurus

Class Mammal

Family Sciuridae

Variegated Squirrel Interesting FactsWhat type of animal is a variegated squirrel?There are more than 200 species of squirrels which are classified into three groups which are tree squirrels, ground squirrels and flying squirrels. The variegated squirrel (Sciurus variegatoides) is a tree-squirrel and spends most of its time navigating through forest trees and bushes. They are rodents and are cousins of other rodent species like mice and rats.What class of animal does a variegated squirrel belong to?The variegated squirrel (Sciurus variegatoides) is a small mammal and is part of the Sciuridae family. Just like any other mammal, variegated squirrels breathe air and give birth to babies rather than laying eggs.How many variegated squirrels are there in the world?Although there are no official record as to how many variegated squirrels exist, squirrels are generally familiar to everyone. Records show that there are over 4 billion squirrels distributed around the globe. That’s about half of human population!Where does a variegated squirrel live?A variegated squirrel (Sciurus variegatoides) is mostly found in the regions of North and Central America, specifically going southwards of Mexico. They are present in Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama.What is a variegated squirrel’s habitat?Variegated squirrels are inhabitants of both dry and wet tropical rainforests. They are also found in open woodlands and plantations as they prefer living in open environments. These lowland squirrel are often spotted in evergreen forest, playing on trees, and sometimes defending their territories from other occupants. These squirrels can also be found in secondary growth and plantations.Who do variegated squirrels live with?Tree squirrels are generally solitary and only come together once a year with potential mates to breed.How long does a variegated squirrel live?A variegated squirrel has an average lifespan of eight to 12 years in the wild, but was reported to survive up to 23 years in human captivity. Pre-mature deaths are often caused by falling off the nests or when the mother abandons the babies because of difficult conditions.How do they reproduce?Most tree squirrels have the same mating habits. The female squirrel goes into estrus or fertility for only one day in a year. At such time, the female showcases some olfactory cues and behavioural changes indicating that she is ready to mate. Several males may come to the female’s territory and will fight over mating. After the deed, the male leaves and retains no bond with the female. Males offer no parental care, leaving the females as single-parents. The female squirrel will then build a nest up on her tree and raise their babies alone until they are ready to leave after about six weeks.What is their conservation status?Although considered fragile in some parts of Mexico, the population of variegated squirrel is deemed to be steady and unthreatened. Globally, its conservation status remains as Least Concern.Variegated Squirrel Fun FactsWhat does a variegated squirrel look like?The variegated squirrel (Sciurus variegatoides) is a long-tailed species of tree squirrels. Its coat is composed of shiny thick bristles. They share some physical characteristics with the rest of the 15 subspecies. The dorsal colors range from dark brown to yellowish gray and white. The neck appears to be darker than other parts with a light pale patch behind the ears. The underparts are usually brownish, close to the color of cinnamon. Some squirrels have stripes and bands on some areas of their bodies. The tail is usually long, fluffy, and loaded with fur. Like any other rodents, variegated squirrels have four front teeth that never stop growing which they use to gnaw and chew endlessly.How cute are they?Depending on how much you like furry animals, variegated squirrels (S V atrirufus) can be really cute especially when they are munching with their tiny hands and bouncing fluffy cheeks.How do they communicate?Squirrels are typically very vocal individuals. Variegated squirrels make chucking sounds and harsh chatters to communicate. Their body language include moving of tails and stomping their feet. The female tree squirrel exhibits distinct behaviours and induces chemical cues to tell males that she is ready to mate.How big is a variegated squirrel?The variegated squirrel (S V atrirufus) is a medium-sized tree squirrel. Its head and body length can be up to 10.2 in (26 cm), with a tail of the same length. This doubles the size of a variegated squirrel to 20 in (50 cm). Imagine, that’s just about the size of a regular cat!How fast can a variegated squirrel run?Varigated squirrels are rarely found running on lands and flat surfaces. However, they can navigate through trunks and branches of trees very fast. Squirrels are said to run vertically speeding up to 12 mph (19 kph).How much does a variegated squirrel weigh?The weight of a variegated squirrel range from 1.1-2 lb (500 g-900 g).What are their male and female names of the species?A female variegated squirrel is called doe, while a male is called buck. A group of variegated squirrels is called a dray or scurry.What would you call a baby variegated squirrel?A baby variegated squirrel (S V atrirufus) is called a pup, kit, or kitten.What do they eat?Variegated squirrels (Sciurus Variegatoides) primarily consume a variety of fruits and nuts which are abundant in tropical and evergreen forest. Their major food source is tree nuts. They like soft juicy fruits but also feed on vines and flowers. Sometimes, they will prey on insects too. Their diet may also include some species of fungi such as Anacardiaceae, Burseraceae, Bombaceae, Palmae, Leguminosae, Moracae, and Rubiacae.Are they poisonous?Studies show that it is quite unlikely that squirrels will pass on rabies to humans or pets. The other diseases that they may indirectly transmit are more alarming. Parasites like fleas and ticks can cause illness both to humans and other animals. Not to mention, their urine may also spread infections. Some of which are Lyme disease, salmonellosis, and leptospirosis. Sick squirrels are most likely infected and any interaction with them can be risky. This is also the reason why experts warn people of the possible hazards of consuming squirrels.Would they make a good pet?Although it may seem fun to have a squirrel in your backyard, there are some potential risks that come with having variegated squirrels as companions. In 2015, variegated squirrels kept as pets were implicated in the transmission of a bornavirus and were linked to the death of three eastern German pet breeders. All three cases suffered from progressive encephalities over a two-year period and their variegated squirrels were detected to be a common denominator. This novel virus, which was then named ‘variegated squirrel 1 bornavirus’ or VSBV-1, can be very fatal. Having variegated squirrel pets may not be a good idea at all.Did you know…Squirrels, including Sciurus Variegatoides, can fall from 100 ft (30.5 m) height without injuries. Their fluffy tail doubles as a parachute which helps them as they fall. They also use it to balance when travelling through trees and electrical lines.Other types of variegated squirrels include the red-flanked variegated squirrel, the black-backed variegated squirrel, and the variegated grey squirrel.Are they friendly?Although squirrels do not really attack people, we can’t say that they are very friendly. Squirrels are generally timid, docile species and will typically just run away when approached. They are not aggressive by nature but may attack when provoked or threatened.How active are they?Variegated squirrels are very active species, especially during the mornings. They spend most of their time traveling through trees up to 6 ft (1.82 m) high, often running and hopping from one branch to another. They can even hang on and play around thin slender stems fearlessly. However, their activities slow down during the cold season or inclement weather until they need to search for food.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other mammals including flying squirrel, and kangaroo rat.You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable variegated squirrel coloring pages.‍

What type of animal is a variegated squirrel?

There are more than 200 species of squirrels which are classified into three groups which are tree squirrels, ground squirrels and flying squirrels. The variegated squirrel (Sciurus variegatoides) is a tree-squirrel and spends most of its time navigating through forest trees and bushes. They are rodents and are cousins of other rodent species like mice and rats.

Fun Variegated Squirrel Facts For Kids

What do they prey on? Insects

What do they eat? Herbivore

Average litter size? 2-8

How much do they weigh? 1.1-2 lb (500-900 g)

How long are they? 20 in (50 cm)

How tall are they? 10.2 in (26 cm)

What do they look like? Orange, brown, black, and white

Skin Type Fur

What were their main threats? N/a

What is their conservation status? Least Concern

Where you’ll find them? Trees

Locations North And Central America

Kingdom Animalia

Genus Sciurus

Class Mammal

Family Sciuridae

Fun Variegated Squirrel Facts For Kids

What do they prey on? Insects

What do they eat? Herbivore

Average litter size? 2-8

How much do they weigh? 1.1-2 lb (500-900 g)

How long are they? 20 in (50 cm)

How tall are they? 10.2 in (26 cm)

What do they look like? Orange, brown, black, and white

Skin Type Fur

What were their main threats? N/a

What is their conservation status? Least Concern

Where you’ll find them? Trees

Locations North And Central America

Kingdom Animalia

Genus Sciurus

Class Mammal

Family Sciuridae

Fun Variegated Squirrel Facts For Kids

What do they prey on? Insects

What do they eat? Herbivore

Average litter size? 2-8

How much do they weigh? 1.1-2 lb (500-900 g)

How long are they? 20 in (50 cm)

How tall are they? 10.2 in (26 cm)

What do they look like? Orange, brown, black, and white

Skin Type Fur

What were their main threats? N/a

What is their conservation status? Least Concern

Where you’ll find them? Trees

Locations North And Central America

Kingdom Animalia

Genus Sciurus

Class Mammal

Family Sciuridae