So who in the Animal Kingdom has one of these talented tails? Among mammals, you'll find these special assets on the bottoms of monkeys like howler monkeys, woolly monkeys, spider monkeys, and squirrel monkeys. Opposums and tree pangolins aren't monkeys, but they also have prehensile tails.

What is a squirrel's tail made of?

If you examined a squirrel tail, you would find it is made up entirely of hair. Even next to the bone there is no under fur. Practically all other animals, such as fox, coyote, badger, mink, etc. have fur tails, with just a few guard hairs.

What is a squirrel's tail for?

The tail helps balance the squirrel as it jumps from tree to tree, and helps it make quick turns or even just resting on a branch. I wonder if this squirrel will now lead a more sedentary life, watching TV in its nest or something. The fluffy tail can act as a duvet in cold weather.