How Do Animals Use Their Tails?

Hi there! Did you know that some animals have fluffy tails? One of those animals is a squirrel! Squirrels are really fun to watch as they jump around in trees.

What Does the Tail Do?

The fluffy tail of a squirrel helps it in two very important ways:

• Steering: When a squirrel jumps from one branch to another, it uses its tail like a rudder on a boat. A rudder is a part that helps steer the boat. The squirrel moves its tail side to side to help guide its body in the right direction while jumping.
• Balance: The tail also helps the squirrel keep its balance. Just like how you can hold your arms out when you run to stay balanced, squirrels use their tails for that too!

Why Is the Tail Fluffy?

The tail is fluffy, which means it has lots of soft fur. This fluffiness is special because it makes the tail lighter and helps the squirrel move better. Imagine if the tail was heavy – it would be much harder to jump!

Conclusion

So, next time you see a squirrel, look at its fluffy tail! Remember, it helps the squirrel jump, steer, and stay balanced in the trees!