Answer:
Well, Malina, thanks for the compliment. I'm an expert at being handsome, so I feel very qualified to answer this question.
The answer in a nutshell is yes, my tail does add to my good looks but also protects me from this squirrely world of ours. My tail has three main functions which are protection, balance, and communication. In this issue, we'll focus on protection.
Protection from the Weather
Rain
My tail comes in real handy for lots of things. You'll never see me carrying an umbrella when it rains, instead I'll flip my tail towards my head to shield me from the storm's raindrops.
Cold
My tail is also a blanket. During the cold winter nights here in Los Angeles, I wrap it around my body to stay warm and toasty.
Heat
I'm pretty spoiled and, sometimes during the summer, Laaaadddy lets me come in the house to soak up the air-conditioning. But, if I am squirreling outside, my bushy tail acts like a parasol shielding me from the sun. Just like when it rains, I'll flip my tail up towards my head. The underside of my tail is lighter in color and absorbs less heat which keeps me cooler.
Body Temperature
Squirrels are very clever critters, and I am definitely no exception. A little-known fact about my tail is that it helps regulate my body temperature. There is a valve close to the base of my tail that allows air-cooled blood to travel to from my tail to my body and decrease my temperature. In the winter, the valve can close to keep the warm blood around my body core.
I'll save the other fascinating things about me for another issue. I like to stay humble; you know.
Squirrel ya later...I am off to take a nap.
Bart
