### Identification The Smith’s Bush Squirrel is a slender, charismatic acrobat of the African savanna. Measuring roughly 35cm from nose to tail-tip—with the tail accounting for nearly half that length—it sports a grizzled, buff-grey coat that blends perfectly with tree bark. To distinguish it from the similar Sun Squirrel, look for its most iconic field mark: a distinct yellowish-orange wash on the feet and the underside of the tail. Its belly is a clean, pale cream. Unlike many squirrels, its tail is held straight out or slightly curved, never arched over the back like a North American Grey Squirrel.
### Habitat & Range This species is a staple of South-central and Southeast Africa, particularly favoring the hot, low-lying Mopane and Acacia woodlands. You won't find them in the deep, dark forests; they prefer open savannas where large trees offer hollows for nesting. They are particularly abundant in the Kruger National Park and the Zambezi Valley, where they rely on the "caves" found in aging baobabs and mopane trees.
### Behaviour If you’re in the bush, you’ll likely hear this squirrel before you see it. They are highly vocal, emitting a rhythmic, bird-like "chuck-chuck-chuck" alarm call accompanied by frantic, jerky tail-flicking. Strictly diurnal, they are most active in the cool of the morning, often seen sprawling flat on a branch to "sun" themselves. They are intensely social, living in family groups that share a communal nest, often engaging in "allogrooming" to reinforce social bonds.
### Diet An opportunistic forager, the Smith’s Bush Squirrel spends much of its time on the ground searching for seeds, berries, and fallen fruits. However, they aren't strictly vegetarian; they are known to raid bird nests for eggs and will eagerly hunt down protein-rich termites and grasshoppers during the rainy season.
### Fascinating Fact These squirrels are dedicated "home renovators." To keep their communal sleeping hollows clean and parasite-free, they use a designated "latrine" branch outside the nest. Furthermore, they are known to "mummify" their food; they often wedge seeds into bark crevices, allowing them to dry out and stay preserved for leaner times!