Squirrel

Squirrels belong to a large family of small rodents called the Sciuridae. Squirrels breed once or twice a year, and give birth to a varying number of babies after three to six weeks, depending on species of squirrel. The young are born without fur, without teeth, and blind. In most species of squirrel, only the female looks after the young, which are weaned off of her at around six to ten weeks and become sexually mature at one year of age. Ground dwelling species are generally social animals, often living in well-developed colonies, but the tree dwelling squirrels are quite the oppisite.

Food
Squirrels must rely on foods rich in protein, carbohydrates, and fat. Early spring is the hardest time of year for squirrels, because buried nuts begin to sprout and grow and are no longer available for the squirrel to eat to survive. New sources of food are also unavailable at this time. During these times squirrels rely heavily on the buds of trees. Squirrels' diet consists primarily of a wide variety of plant food, including nuts, seeds, fruits, fungi and vegetation. However some squirrels also consume meat, but only in extreme hunger.  Squirrels have been known to eat insects, birds eggs, small birds, young corn snakes and smaller rodents.