Wild Fact #778 – The Bridge Builder – Indian Palm Squirrel
Photo by J.M. Garg
Earlier this week I recounted my harrowing encounter with an Eastern Gray Squirrel. Today we are going to talk about another squirrel that I don’t think could frighten me. Perhaps it is the stripes that makes them less fearful. The Indian Palm Squirrel is about 20 cm long and weighs about 100 grams. To check out this squirrel we need to head to India, Sri Lanka or Western Australia. Just so you know these little squirrels only naturally occur in India and Sri Lanka. They were introduced to Australia and have become a minor nuisance since they don’t have any natural predators to keep them in check.
They aren’t the biggest animals in the forest which is probably why the Indian Palm Squirrel feeds mostly on fruits and nuts. Although they will also supplement their diet with yummy tasting insects. I am really tempted to start eating insects considering how many animals out there love to feed on them. They must be delicious! The first person to try feeding solely on insects for a week will get 50000 Wild Fact Points!
Some squirrels are smart and tend to hibernate in the winter but this particular squirrel is not one of them. Nope, they prefer to tough it out although they won’t leave the nice warm, comfy nest until the afternoon sun is shining. To tell you the truth, I think I might try this method next winter. Sorry boss! I can’t make it in until the sun is high in the sky. Do you think he will go for it?
I think I will keep today’s fact short and sweet but before I go here is one last fact, well sort of!
Indian Palm Squirrel Fast Fact – An old Hindu legend explains how the Indian Palm Squirrel received the 3 stripes across its back. Basically, this squirrel helped Lord Rama and Vanara Sena build a bridge. The squirrel would roll in the sand and then run over to the bridge site and shake all the sand off. Lord Rama was very impressed with the dedication of the Indian Palm Squirrel and left 3 stripes across his back as he petted him. It is important to note that this association with Lord Rama could be part of the reason that squirrels are considered sacred in India. Can any readers validate this legend?
