Squirrels — Reading Comprehension Lesson

Reading Passage

Squirrels

Squirrels are small, agile rodents found throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. There are more than 200 species, divided into groups including tree squirrels, ground squirrels, and flying squirrels. In North America, the gray squirrel and fox squirrel are the most commonly seen tree squirrels in parks and neighborhoods.

Tree squirrels depend heavily on trees for food and shelter. They feed mainly on nuts, seeds, berries, and fungi, and are best known for storing acorns in the ground for winter. A squirrel can hide thousands of acorns in a season. Interestingly, squirrels often forget where some of their caches are buried — which accidentally helps plant new trees.

Squirrel teeth never stop growing, so they must constantly gnaw on hard materials like wood and nutshells to keep them worn down to a usable length. Squirrels are excellent climbers and acrobats, capable of running along narrow branches and jumping remarkable distances between trees. Their bushy tails help them balance and communicate.

Squirrels use chirping calls and tail movements to communicate with each other, especially to warn of nearby predators. When danger is detected, a squirrel will often freeze motionless to avoid being spotted. Baby squirrels are born hairless and helpless, opening their eyes at six to eight weeks. Squirrels adapt easily to human environments and are common visitors to bird feeders and gardens.

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