Two weeks ago, a question came up in reference to the Squorty Tails, the Delmarva Fox Squirrel, post.

Megan asked,

Do squirrels actually have nipples and belly-buttons?

We wrote the Mad Science Network who were kind enough to provide an answer to Megan’s question. They confirmed that since squirrels were eutherian mammals, that they did have nipples and belly buttons. Their full answer to our question can be read here.

However, there was still a question if the belly button and nipples could be seen on an adult squirrel through the fur. We contacted the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Ask a Scientist resource with the question. They were unable to give us an answer, but suggested that we try asking The Wildlife Center of Virginia.

And now we have the answer!

According to The Wildlife Center of Virginia a squirrel’s belly button would not be visible through the fur. Unlike humans, when squirrels are born, their umbilical cords are not tied off like they are on human babies. It is this tying of the umbilical cord which actually causes the belly button indentation. Since no one ties off baby squirrels umbilical cords, with time, they rot and fall off. This only leaves a pale mark on the skin under the fur of the adult squirrel.

The Wildlife Center of Virginia indicated that the nipples were a different matter. It is possible that nipples would be visible through the fur, but only on a lactating female squirrel.

So what does this all mean for Squorty Tails, a boy squirrel, with a visible belly button and nipples? Well, his belly button is just a pale mark, and not like the indented human belly button. As for his nipples and pale-mark-belly-button both being visible, it is obvious that Squorty shaves. How else would he have gotten that well groomed beard?

Protozoic would like to extend special thanks to The Wildlife Center of Virginia, Ask a Scientist and Mad Science Network for helping us resolve these questions. And if you have similar questions – you now know who to ask!

Could this be the end of the Don and Mike Show?

Mad Science Network has answered the recent question that arose here on Protozoic as to whether or not squirrels had nipples and belly buttons.

Hi Michael – Squirrels are eutherian mammals, meaning they bear live young which are nourished in utero through a placenta.

The umbilical cord transports the fetal blood to the placenta, where it is nourished with oxygen and nutrients from the mother’s circulation. After birth, the remnant of the umbilical cord connection is the belly button, or umbilicus. Squirrels thus have a belly button.

Mammals also nurse their young through mammary glands which produce the milk. The milk in eutherian mammals is exuded through the nipples. Squirrels, being eutherian mammals, thus have nipples.

• Lynn Bry, MD/PhD, Dept. Pathology, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School

Alternatively click here to read their answer to the question here.

Interestingly it would seem that Gerry had a similar question about dogs and cats having belly buttons.

Thanks Mad Science Network!

Additionally, The Worldwide Wildlife Fund has written me indicating that they have printed out Squorty Tails, the Delmarva Fox Squirrel, and hung him on their bulletin board. And if you ask me, that is almost as good as getting published!