Squirrels show softer side by adopting orphans, study finds

Squirrels will take in orphaned pups if the babies are closely related to the adoptive mother, according to new research. Although adoptions occur among species that live in extended family groups, it's much less common among asocial animals, such as squirrels, who are territorial, live alone and rarely interact with one another. The study also shows squirrels are able to asses which pups they are related to before determining whether to adopt.

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