A Look at How Squirrels Climb Trees so Effortlessly

Squirrels are one of the most fascinating little creatures on the planet. People are used to seeing them every day but rarely notice how adept they are at tasks or how versatile they are at moving around. Squirrels possess incredible agility due to the structure of their bodies. Their skills also make them a nuisance to homeowners. Squirrels have no problem scaling roofs and finding their way into attics and other entryways. Call wildlife control in Coquitlam if you have issues with squirrels invading your space. While these little rodents can be delightful to watch, they can do considerable damage to your home.

How Do Squirrels Climb?

Squirrels are built for speed. Their lightweight bodies and powerful legs allow them to effortlessly get around obstacles and scale heights in record time. They have very sharp claws to grip surfaces. This allows for quick and agile movements climbing up and down trees in a head-first position. They also have strong hind legs with double-jointed, hyper-extendable wrists that allow them to turn at lightning speed.

How Does a Squirrel Use Its Tail?

A squirrel’s tail is more than a cute, bushy appendage. It serves multiple functions:

• Controls balance: The tail allows for better balance and coordination as squirrels jump from place to place. It supports their frame when sitting in a tree. Directional thrusts of the tail help them make quick and accurate turns.
• Regulates temperature: The tail will stem the flow of blood in the summer to cool the body or allow blood to flow freely to the body core for heat during winter. Squirrels also use their tails to shade their bodies from direct sunlight.
• Acts as a parachute: Tails help squirrels make jaw-dropping falls from considerable heights. The tail acts as a parachute to reduce speed and velocity. This is not a common practice, but some squirrels use this move as a quick exit strategy.
• Provides a communication tool: Squirrels use their tails to communicate messages with other squirrels or predators. A squirrel will flick its tail when alarmed or agitated and fluff its tail when being defensive. Tails also play an essential part in mating rituals.

Squirrels sometimes lose their tails to predators. While a tail isn’t necessary to their survival, it serves important functions in their daily lives.

How Do Squirrels Jump So Far?

Squirrel bodies have evolved over the years to give them gravity-defying motion. Squirrels have short front legs and long, muscular hind legs. While they can move very well on all four legs, they are much faster and more comfortable hopping and jumping due to these anatomical adaptations. They use their powerful hind legs to propel them through the air across long distances. Even though they are small, squirrels are known to jump 20 feet, a superhuman accomplishment by any measure. Given their dexterity and flexibility, they easily make vertical and horizontal leaps. Jumping is a skill that helps them in all aspects of their daily lives, from finding food and building nests to playing and avoiding predators.

How Do Squirrels Skills Help Them Get Inside Homes?

The mind-boggling agility that squirrels have makes them troublemakers for Coquitlam homeowners. Like all rodents, squirrels use every quality they possess to get things they want. If they want to get inside your home, they will climb, jump and hang to gain entry. Squirrels do a lot of damage to roofs, soffits, wiring, pipes and other materials because of their prolific chewing habits. If you need squirrel removal, get professional assistance right away.    

Your Expert Team for Wildlife Control in Coquitlam

Squirrels are clever animals, and you need professional removal and exclusion techniques to deter them from your residence. Squirrels look at your home like a giant chew toy, and this can cause structural and safety issues and fire hazards. Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Coquitlam is your team for humane squirrel removal. Contact us to schedule a detailed property assessment.