Why is this squirrel so colorful?
High in the treetops, a squirrel searches for food. It leaps from branch to branch. It clings to trees with its powerful claws. And its rainbow-colored fur sparkles in the sun!
This colorful creature might not sound like any squirrel you’ve seen before. But it’s a real animal that lives in a country called India. Meet the Malabar giant squirrel!
Colorful Trees
In America, most squirrels are shades of gray, red, brown, or black. But the Malabar giant squirrel’s fur is purple, orange, and blue!
The squirrel lives in the colorful trees of India’s forests. Scientists think the animal’s fur helps it blend into its surroundings. This is called camouflage.
Camouflage helps animals avoid being seen by enemies. This is especially helpful for the Malabar giant squirrel. Why? The squirrel is huge. It can be about 3 feet long. That is about the size of a raccoon!
Blending In
The Malabar giant squirrel isn’t the only squirrel that uses this special feature. Squirrels in America can camouflage too. Gray and brown squirrels blend into the tree trunks they scurry up. Now you see them, now you don’t!
PARAGRAPH POWER
Write a short summary explaining what camouflage is and why squirrels use it.
Can't Miss Teaching Extras
Want to learn more clever ways animals stay safe? Find out in two other Mini Reads, “Squirt” and “Slime Time.”
Continue learning about animals and their interesting features in “Creatures of the Night,” an infographic about nocturnal animals.
Pee-ew! What’s that smell? Oh, it’s just another animal staying safe. Read “The Power of Stink” to learn how stenches help animals survive.
Your students can learn about more animal adaptations with our fun and informative video “Amazing Adaptations.” You’ll find the video in the Resources tab!
