Some include a few insects in their diets. Most have long, cylindrical bodies with large bushy tails that provide balance and slender toes with sharp claws that aid in climbing. Squirrels are known for their tendency to hoard seeds and other food either in their nests or in caches nearby. Their coloration is grayish brown with buff flecks. They have short ears and legs and strong front claws.
Litters range from two to eight.
Squirrels have powerful, gnawing teeth for eating tough vegetable matter, and they can close their mouths while leaving their front teeth exposed for digging. Their other distinguishing feature is that their teeth never stop growing. The den of the ground squirrel is an intricate burrow with several entrances. They also prey on insects, the eggs and young of ground-nesting birds, and, occasionally, small mammals. They eat much food where it is found but also carry seeds in cheek pouches to build up large stores underground.