Use
Squirrels use their tails in everyday activities. They use their tails for mating, defending their territory, and deterring predators. A squirrel in the wild who swishes and flicks its tail around is definitely trying to tell you something. There are also some lesser-known uses for squirrel’s tails that come in handy during a crisis in the animal kingdom.Swimming
Squirrels aren’t known for their high aptitude in the water. It is not often that you hear about a squirrel crossing a creek or a river or any body of water, really. But it does happen. While squirrels will not attempt to cross water unless it is an emergency, they can swim and will do so if the need arises. Squirrels are best known for their doggy paddle and using their tail as a sort of rudder to maintain their direction in the water.Balance
Alternately, squirrels are actually known for their remarkable balance. They scale trees and even buildings with ease. They leap from branch to branch from tree to tree and even from tree to ground with little to no effort. In addition to acting as a floofy parachute to break a fall, tails provide balance. Their tails offer a counterweight to the quick movements and help them both balance and then regain balance quickly. Their tails also help them make sharp turns without tumbling over themselves in conjunction with their light feet. So, if you see a squirrel running confidently on an electrical line, know that it’s the bushy tail that makes this incredible feat of balance possible.
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