Why do Eurasian red squirrels have ear tufts?
This species of squirrel has larger ear tufts that other squirrels… There are two identified functions for these ear tufts: Firstly, they grow thicker and more prominent in the winter, which suggests that the primary function is to keep the ears warm, and help circulation of blood in a thin organ such as the ear. Secondly, not only squirrels, but also for instance owls, use ear tufts for intimidation: To appear larger and more frightening to possible predators. The last, and less certain function of these ear tufts, is camouflage. Animals who live mainly in trees, sometimes display excess hair on different parts of their bodies, to look like a piece of broken branch, when sitting still.
