Squirrels possess dichromatic vision, meaning they perceive colors based on two types of photoreceptor cells, unlike humans who have three. Their color perception is similar to a red-green colorblind human, able to distinguish blues, yellows, and grays, but likely perceiving reds and greens as shades of gray or yellow. For example, a bright red berry may appear dull yellow or brownish to a squirrel.
Understanding how squirrels perceive color is crucial for comprehending their foraging strategies and predator avoidance. While they may not see the vibrant hues of certain foods as we do, their visual system is likely optimized for detecting contrasts and movement, important for spotting ripe nuts and seeds and avoiding predators in their environment. Research into animal vision also contributes broadly to our understanding of sensory perception and evolutionary adaptations.
