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Dear Sue:
When we see squirrels, we often notice their big, bushy tails first. And that's no surprise--this
body part can be nearly as big as the critter it's attached to. But the tail is certainly not just
there for decoration. Like a tightrope walker holding onto a long pole for balance, the squirrel
uses its tail to keep itself steady as it leaps across treetops or does a high-wire act on
telephone lines. A squirrel's tale is also told through its tail. That's because this animal
acrobat uses this appendage to communicate with other squirrels. You'll often see its unique body
language at work in the woods or right in your backyard. When a squirrel is alarmed, it flicks its
tail; when it's feeling aggressive, it fluffs it up. During its breeding season, a squirrel will
wave and shiver its tail while approaching the opposite sex.
And yes, as you might imagine, a squirrel will also use its big, fuzzy tail to keep itself
warm and toasty--it'll wrap its tail around itself like a built-in security blanket during
wintertime. A squirrel will also use it to cool off during the summer. In hot weather, the tail
becomes a sunshade for the squirrel and helps protects it from the sun's burning rays. Now that's
one cool customer!
Signed,
Wendell
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