squirrellike

Squirrellike is an adjective used to describe organisms or behaviors that resemble or evoke the appearance and actions of squirrels (family Sciuridae). The term is formed from the noun squirrel and the suffix -like and is primarily informal, appearing in descriptive writing, field notes, or popular science references rather than formal taxonomy.

Typical references to squirrellike traits include a long, bushy tail used for balance and signaling, limbs adapted for rapid climbing, and a habit of fast, darting movements. Squirrellike animals often have strong, chiselled incisors for gnawing and a tendency to cache food. Coloration may be gray, brown, or multicolored and complemented by soft, dense fur suited to an arboreal or temperate environment.

The descriptor is subjective and can apply to various mammals beyond the true squirrels, particularly small, agile, arboreal rodents that show similar locomotion or tail morphology. In scientific contexts, squirrellike is not a formal taxonomic category, but a qualitative reference used when discussing resemblance or convergent traits.

Classic examples include members of Sciuridae such as tree squirrels, ground squirrels, chipmunks, and flying squirrels. The term may also appear in metaphorical usage to describe people or behaviors reminiscent of squirrels, such as high activity, resource caching, or quick, skittering movements.