Squirrels are common creatures found in many environments. Known for their energetic movements and bushy tails, a common question is whether they have ears. Yes, squirrels do possess ears, which are important for their survival.
Squirrel Ear Anatomy
Squirrels have external ears, or pinnae, positioned on the sides of their heads. These ears are typically small and rounded, and their size can vary slightly by species. Some species, like the Abert’s or Eurasian red squirrel, can have noticeable ear tufts, particularly in winter. These tufts are extensions of fur that grow from their ears and can extend a half-inch or more.
Beyond the external ear, squirrels possess middle and inner ear structures common to most mammals. The middle ear contains tiny bones that transmit sound vibrations. The inner ear houses the cochlea, which converts these vibrations into electrical signals sent to the brain for processing. It also includes vestibular structures that aid in balance. These components allow squirrels to perceive a wide range of sounds.
How Squirrels Use Their Hearing
Hearing is an important sense for squirrels, helping them detect potential threats in their environment. Squirrels can hear sounds at frequencies ranging from approximately 113 Hz to 49 kHz. This range is significantly broader than human hearing, which typically falls between 20 Hz and 20 kHz, and extends into higher frequencies, allowing them to pick up subtle noises that humans cannot.
Squirrels use their hearing to identify predators, such as hawks or cats, by detecting faint rustling sounds or high-pitched calls. They also use their hearing for foraging, listening for falling nuts or insects moving beneath leaves. Hearing is also important for communication among squirrels. They produce a variety of vocalizations, including barks, chirps, and moans, which serve as alarm calls to warn others of danger or as contact sounds for social interactions. Some squirrel species even use ultrasonic “whispers” for alarm calls, which are inaudible to human ears but can alert other squirrels.
Why Squirrel Ears Are Hard to Spot
The reason squirrel ears are not always easily visible to human observers is due to a combination of their anatomical characteristics and how they are situated on the animal’s head. Their external ears are relatively small in proportion to their head size. This small size, combined with their placement close to the skull, helps them blend in with the contours of the squirrel’s head.
The most significant factor contributing to their low visibility is their fur. Squirrels have dense fur that often covers and conceals their ears, making them difficult to distinguish from the surrounding coat. While some species, like the red squirrel or Abert’s squirrel, develop prominent ear tufts, especially in colder months, these tufts are also made of fur and can still blend with their overall coloration. Additionally, young squirrels are born with closed ear flaps that open later, further contributing to their initial inconspicuousness. At times, a squirrel’s ear might even appear folded or damaged, though this is not typical.