There are multicolored, 3-foot-long squirrels that are currently taking the Internet by storm, but they aren’t Photoshopped mythical creatures. The Malabar giant squirrel is actually one of four species of relatively hefty rodents in the squirrel family. Roaming the forests of southern India, they have a penchant for feeding on the massive tropical fruits in the tree canopies. Although the giant squirrels average a foot or so in length, their size doesn’t hold them back. They can easily jump 20 feet between trees. Unlike their gray cousins, who hide their seeds and nuts underground, Malabar giant squirrels store their food in the treetops, high above the forest floor. It’s unclear why the giant creatures boast such vibrant colors, but they’re clearly providing nature photographers with a host of opportunities.
