How does a squirrel climb headfirst down a tree?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. How does a squirrel climb headfirst down a tree?

The Big Idea

Squirrels race down trees headfirst! Most animals can't do that. How do they do it?

Special Ankles

Step one: Special Ankles. Most animals can't go down a tree headfirst, but squirrels can. A squirrel has special ankles that can rotate about 180 degrees.

Claws Point Up

Step two: Claws Point Up. When it climbs down, it turns its back feet backward so its claws point up and hook into the bark. That keeps it from falling.

Reverse Gear

Step three: Reverse Gear. It's like having reverse gear on your feet. Squirrels can run along thin branches and even hang upside down.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Rotate. Point up. Hooked. Gear.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Squirrels can run along thin branches and even upside down. Squirrel ankles turn about 180 degrees. Claws hook bark. They go headfirst down trees.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Hold your hands in front of you. Point your fingers up. Rotate your wrists so your fingers point down. Imagine your ankles doing that. How would that help you climb down?

Outro

Squirrels can climb down trees headfirst because their ankles rotate about 180 degrees. They turn their back feet backward so claws point up and hook the bark, like reverse gear on their feet. Science is amazing! Keep wondering and keep exploring! Share what you learned with someone at home, and see what they think! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!