Killer Vampire Squirrel Captured on Video For First Time

You will want to see this "Killer Vampire Squirrel Captured on Video For First Time". There is definitely something eery about seeing this tiny tufted ground squirrel, especially with the stories and legends that surround the tiny animal.

Scary tales of the elusive killer vampire squirrels of Borneo have been passed on from generation to generation for ages. Stories and local legends claim of how they hide in trees and leap onto the backs of passing Muntjac deer, sinking their fangs into their necks, sucking their blood and feasting on the dead animal's entrails. Yet the elusive killer, blood-thirsty rodent has never been seen, until now. Brave researchers have set up infrared cameras in the Gunung Palung National Park in Indonesia and for the first time ever captured amazing video footage of the creature. The alleged killer squirrel is a cute creature that doesn't look capable of bringing down a full sized deer. It's tufted ears do look a bit menacing, it would be interesting to actually catch one of these little squirrels in the act. This little squirrel certainly has a ferocious reputation, and is dubbed the Vampire Squirrel, otherwise known as the tufted ground squirrel, this tiny squirrel is definitely more than meets the eyes.

It is said that the squirrel creeps on the lower branches of trees waiting for its prey to unexpectedly pass by, it is then that the tiny tufted ground squirrel jumps on the Muntjac deer and goes for the throat of the poor animal, and takes the deer down. This is when the tiny squirrel is said to feast on its internal organs, pretty creepy story. The squirrel is reputed to be a ferocious carnivore that ambushes deer and attacks domestic chickens, draining their blood and eating their hearts and livers. This behaviour has never been observed scientifically. Confirmed elements of its diet include nuts, seeds and insects, for which it has been filmed foraging on the forest floor.

The tiny tufted ground squirrel is noted for having the largest known tail to body size ratio of any mammal, making it that much easier to wait for its unsuspecting prey. Its tail is30 percent larger by volume than its body, and it is unclear why the squirrel has such a large tail but scientists have suggested that it may have evolved to distract predators or to prevent them getting a firm grasp when attacking. It may also have a function in communicating with other squirrels or in courtship. Other possible explanations for its large tail, is as being used to keep the animal warm or for balance, which seem unlikely as the squirrel lives on the ground in a warm region of the world. The tail has a grizzled charcoal colour with white frosting and rises in a plume, with the longest hairs at the tip. It's cute looks are certainly deceiving.