The Squirrel
There are two types of squirrel found in Ireland, the grey squirrel (iora glas) and the red squirrel (iora rua). The red squirrel is native to Ireland but the grey squirrel was introduced at the beginning of this century. The red one is smaller and lighter than the grey. It has excellent hearing to hear if enemies are coming. They have large eyes to watch for enemies all around. The large bushy tail helps the squirrel to steer and balance as it leaps. They have sharp, curved claws for climbing trees. Its whiskers help it to feel its way.
The squirrel's nest is called a drey. It is made of twigs and bark and it is shaped like a ball. It has no entrance - the squirrel just pushes its way in through the loose twigs.
The babies are called kittens. Kittens begin to see and hear five days after they are born. Their fur starts to grow after eight days. Three kittens are usually born together. At birth the squirrel weighs less than fifteen grams and is blind, deaf, toothless and naked. Squirrels eat seeds, pinecones, nuts and berries.
By Declan McDonagh and Stephen Phillips
