A Giant Rainbow-Colored Squirrel May Sound Like Something From A Fairy Tale, But They Are Real And Absolutely Adorable
A giant rainbow-colored squirrel might sound made up, but the Malabar Giant Squirrel is very real, and it is every bit as striking as the nickname suggests. Found in India, this species is known for its vivid fur and its unusually large size, which makes it stand out even before it moves.
That bright coat is not just for show, it also helps the squirrel blend into the trees. Even so, the species faces a serious threat from poaching, which has become one of the biggest dangers to its survival.
Once you see how colorful and unusual these squirrels are, it is easy to understand why people cannot stop talking about them.
The squirrels usually press themselves against a surface and distort their bodies as much as possible to blend in. Most of these animals grow to about 30 inches long, making them larger than a cat or a small dog. Some squirrels can grow up to three feet long, but that is quite rare.
Their method of communication is as cute as their appearance; they use chittering sounds to converse. Like other squirrels, they are herbivores and are active during the day. Their favorite foods include jackfruit and passion fruit.
And if you think this already looks unbelievable, check out the giant squirrel from India that looks too good to be true.
That size makes them hard to miss once they move.
These squirrels are not particularly afraid of humans and do not run away when approached. However, this behavior is changing due to heavy poaching, and over time, they may become more wary of humans. Despite this, they are known to approach people, likely in search of food, and sometimes they even enter houses.
That friendly behavior may not last forever.
Want proof that rainbow color can be camouflage, see how the Malabar giant squirrel’s patchy colors help it avoid detection.
Share this article:
