Happy National Squirrel Appreciation Day! As you may or may not know, our mascot is a squirrel, and we find ourselves celebrating these little creatures on a daily basis. Because today is their day, we felt these awesome nutty facts are too good not to share. After reading, we bet you'll never look at squirrels the same again.

1. Widespread squirrels!

There are over 265 species of squirrel worldwide.

 

2. Squirrels stopping strangers, just to shake their hands

Squirrels are extremely trusting. They are one of a few species of wild animals that will actually eat out of a person’s hand.

 

3. Jaws of life

A squirrel’s front teeth never stop growing. They must continue to gnaw things throughout their entire life to wear them down.

 

4. Blind as a... squirrel?

Despite having perfect vision as adults, baby squirrels are born blind.

 

 

5. Not just a tall tail

The squirrel's tail is more than just a decorative accessory. It serves three important functions that help the squirrel survive: balance, protection, and communication.

 

6. Catch them if you can

In order to throw off predators, squirrels have mastered a zigzag defensive mechanism that succeeds in throwing off predators that might be chasing them.

 

7. Smarter than your average

Squirrels are exceptionally clever creatures. They will go to elaborate lengths to "fake" bury food in order to fool other creatures who may be searching for their stash of goodies.

 

8. Jump around!

Squirrels can jump approximately five feet into the air, and between objects that are more than ten feet apart.

9. Home is where your drey is

Gray squirrels make nests out of leaves and twigs, called “dreys.” These nests are built up to 30 feet off the ground and in between a tree limb and the tree’s main trunk.

 

10. Run, run, run

Squirrels can run up to 20 miles an hour.

 

11. We're nuts about them!

There are over 200 squirrels built into The Cap's architecture.