The tail serves as a balance when the squirrel runs and climbs and as a rudder when it jumps. The tail is also used as a flag to communicate social signals and is wrapped around the squirrel when the animal sleeps. On the ground tree squirrels move in a sequence of graceful leaps, often pausing to raise their heads and look around. When feeding, squirrels squat on their haunches holding the food between their front paws. Unlike ground squirrels, tree squirrels do not hibernate.
Squirrels feed on nuts and seeds, fruits and other plant material, supplemented with a few insects.
They have also been known to feed on reptiles and young birds. In the Zoo Prevost's squirrels are fed monkey chow, fruit, peanuts, and sunflower seeds. Squirrels are sexually mature and able to breed when approximately one year old. Gestation lasts about five weeks. Infant squirrels are born naked, toothless and helpless with their eyes closed.