mókus

Mókus is the Hungarian common name for squirrels, small to medium-sized rodents in the family Sciuridae. They are typically characterized by a compact body, a bushy tail, sharp incisors that grow continuously, and well-developed senses. Most species are arboreal and diurnal, using their tails for balance, communication, and thermoregulation.

Taxonomy and range: Squirrels form a diverse group divided into tree squirrels (subfamily Sciurinae) and ground squirrels (subfamily Xerinae). In Europe, native species include the Eurasian red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris), while some regions host introduced species such as the eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis). In Hungarian fauna, mókus commonly refers to these tree-dwelling rodents.

Habitat and behavior: Mókus inhabit forests, woodlands, groves, and urban parks or gardens. They often nest in tree hollows or build dreys from twigs. A hallmark behavior is caching nuts and seeds to consume later, a strategy that aids survival when food is scarce. They are generally solitary outside of mating and rearing periods, though social interactions occur in dense populations. Communication includes tail flicks, posturing, and vocalizations.

Diet: Their diet consists mainly of nuts, seeds, fruits, buds, fungi, and occasionally insects or eggs, varying with species and season.

Reproduction and life cycle: Breeding typically occurs in spring or early summer, with multiple young per litter. Gestation and exact litter size vary by species. Juveniles mature within weeks and become independent after weaning.

Conservation and human impact: Squirrels contribute to forest ecology through seed dispersal and habitat modification. They face threats from habitat loss, climate extremes, and disease, and in some areas may be affected by competition with or predation by other species. In Hungary, mókus are a familiar part of woodland and urban wildlife, often observed by people in parks and streets.