Better to jump from trees with!
Red squirrel’s have pads at the base of their paws, and on each of their ‘fingers’, which contain more fatty tissue. These pads allow them to act as shock absorbers when the squirrel lands.
While running the tail is used as a counterbalance to help the squirrel steer and turn quickly. Many short vertebrae at the base of the tail allow the tail considerable flexibility in almost every plane.
While jumping, the tail is held horizontally behind the squirrel and, although it does not act as a parachute, it helps improve the squirrels aerodynamics.
Photo taken by Gates Wildlife Technician Cassandra.
