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Squirrels

There are 280 different species in the squirrel family that live throughout the world, 40 of which are American and Eurasian tree squirrels.

Squirrels spend a good portion their days chewing on hard things like acorn hulls and pinecones.

Squirrels use these large fluffy appendages in communication with other squirrels, to make themselves appear larger to predators or distract the predator with waving motions, and for balance when navigating tree branches.

Lifespan of the Fox Squirrel is 12.6 years for females and 8.6 years for males. However, individuals rarely live that long due to overhunting, disease from mange mites, severe winter weather, or predation from foxes, coyotes, and birds of prey.

They are most often found in small patches of deciduous forests that include trees that produce their favorite foods, which are acorns, walnuts, pecans, and hickory nuts.

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Iowa DNR

https://www.iowadnr.gov/About-DNR/DNR-News-Releases/ArticleID/686/7-Cool-Things-You-Should-Know-About-Squirrels

https://birdwatchinghq.com/squirrels-in-iowa/