Page 82 - BBC Wildlife Volume 36 #02

PHOTO
STORY

ABOVE Spring is in the air for this red
squirrel as it leaps between tree stumps
in March. The species can jump more than
2m and has double-jointed ankles that
allow it to climb down trees head-first.
The rodent’s bushy tail is an aerofoil that
also provides balance and warmth.
RIGHT Mineral-rich deer antlers
provide an extra source of calcium and
phosphorus for squirrels, as well as
helping them to sharpen and trim their
incisors. This antler, cast off by a red
deer, is covered in teeth marks from
the gnawing rodents.

82 BBC Wildlife February 2018