A Caucasian Squirrel Pup Sighted in Dilijan

A specialist in eco-tourism development from the Dilijan National Park noticed this beautiful pup of the Caucasian (Persian) squirrel during a recent tour along the 'Medieval Monasteries Trail'. The Caucasian squirrel is a rodent belonging to the family of squirrels. Its body length can reach up to 260 mm, while its tail measures about 170 mm. The hind legs are noticeably longer than the front ones, and the paws are five-toed with curved, sharp claws.

The fur is soft, with a grayish-brown coloration on the back, transitioning to gray-black underneath, and a bright rusty belly. This species predominantly inhabits oak and beech forests, where it builds its nests. Its diet mainly consists of nuts, seeds, tender green parts of trees and shrubs, fruits, berries, and mushrooms. It stores a significant cache of food for the winter and early spring months, which it keeps in its nests, among roots, in rock crevices, and other places. Breeding occurs once or twice a year, with litters of up to four pups.