Eastern Grey Squirrel as seen in Victoria Park on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Photo taken by: Anish Bhattarai/Conestoga College.

Squirrels are fascinating creatures that can be found all over Canada, and they come in many different species. There are 23 species of squirrels in Canada. Among them, most common ones are the Eastern Grey Squirrel, known for its grey fur and bushy tail, and the Red Squirrel, which is smaller and has reddish-brown fur. These squirrels are not just cute; they play an important role in the ecosystem by helping to disperse seeds when they bury nuts for later. Squirrels are also very adaptable; they live in forests, parks, and even cities! While most of them are doing fine, habitat loss is a concern for some species. Surprisingly fast, they can reach speeds of 20 mph to escape predators.