Variegated Tropical Squirrels

I really wasn't expecting to find squirrels in Costa Rica and it wouldn't have bothered me at all if I hadn't seen one as they are definitely not one of my "favourite things". I do have to admit however after seeing these guys scampering up and down a tree in Parque Central in Alajuela yesterday, they are kind of cute. They almost blended in with the bark on the tree.

The Variegated Tropical Squirrel is native to southern Mexico down to Panama. They are known for their long soft fur with grey tail and body with patches of black or coffee colour. In spanish they are called "chiza" or "ardilla tricolour". They are only about a pound in weight, measuring around 20" in length with half of that being tail.

As common to most squirrels they nest high in the branches of trees, giving birth on average to four young per year. While our squirrels perfer nuts and seeds (and my flower boxes) these guys like softer fruit, tender leaves, pod fruit, insects and bird's eggs. They love the fruit of the rubber plant dropping the seeds to the ground and only eating the pulp. Here in Costa Rica they have been known to battle capuchin monkeys for cacao beans.

The ones pictured below were certainly entertaining the children who were spending a warm sunny afternoon in the park.