Food
Omnivore
Xeruses eat nuts, roots, seeds and insects.
Eats plants and animals
HomeAnimals A–ZLetter XXerus
Xerus Facts for Kids: X Is for Xerus
The xerus is a ground squirrel that lives in dry parts of Africa. It holds its bushy tail over its back like a little sun umbrella. Here are easy xerus facts for kids: what xeruses eat, how big they grow, what a baby xerus is called and where xeruses live. Read them out loud, try the quiz, then color the letter X.
Mammaltype
Omnivorediet
Pupbaby name
Fun facts
Fun Facts About Xeruses
Two more true facts about the xerus that kids love. Tap the button to hear the name, then read each fact together.
Xx
Say “Xerus”
Xerus starts with the letter X. Clap once for each part of the word as you say it.
1
Did you know?
The xerus is an African ground squirrel.
2
One more fact
It uses its bushy tail as a sun umbrella.
Act it outMove like a xerus for ten seconds.
Spot the letterFind the letter X in “Xerus”.
Ask a questionWhat would a xerus eat for breakfast?
Quick facts
Xerus Facts at a Glance
Everything a curious kid wants to know about the xerus, in eight short cards.
Size
How big?
A xerus is about 20 to 45 cm long plus tail.
Body sizeLife
How long?
Xeruses live for about 6 years.
LifespanBaby
Pup
A baby xerus is called a pup.
Baby nameGroup
Scurry
A group of xeruses is called a scurry.
Group nameHabitat
Savanna
Xeruses are found in dry parts of Africa.
Where they liveAnimal type
Mammal
The xerus is a ground squirrel that lives in dry parts of Africa. It holds its bushy tail over its back like a little sun umbrella.
Xerus is a mammalLetter
X is for xerus
Xerus has 5 letters and starts with X.
Say: Xerus
Quick quiz
Xerus Quiz for Kids
A tiny game to check what stuck. Read the question out loud and let your little one tap the answer.
Question 1
Score: 0
Free download
Free printable
Xerus Coloring Page: Letter X Worksheet
Done reading about the xerus? Print the free letter X sheet, say “X is for xerus” together and color the big letters. Great for circle time, morning work or a quiet afternoon at home.
1
Download the PDFOne click, no sign-up or email
2
Print at home or schoolFits US Letter and A4 paper
3
Color and traceBig letters and dotted tracing lines
Uppercase XLowercase xTracing practiceFind the X animals
Download Free PDF
3 pages, black & white
Questions
All FAQs
Xerus Questions Kids Ask
Xeruses eat nuts, roots, seeds and insects. That makes the xerus an omnivore, which means it is an animal that eats plants and animals.
A xerus is about 20 to 45 cm long plus tail.
Xeruses live for about 6 years.
A baby xerus is called a pup.
A group of xeruses is called a scurry.
Xeruses live in dry parts of Africa. Their favorite habitat is: savanna.
Yes. The xerus is a mammal. The xerus is a ground squirrel that lives in dry parts of Africa. It holds its bushy tail over its back like a little sun umbrella.
Xerus starts with the letter X. Say it slowly and listen for the X sound at the start.
Keep exploring
All X animals
More Animals Like the Xerus
Other X animals and more mammals to read about next.
Fish
X-ray tetras are tiny fish with see-through skin, so you can spot their backbone. They swim together in big groups called schools in South American rivers.
Lives in: Rivers & swamps Read x-ray tetra factsMammal
The Xoloitzcuintli is a dog from Mexico, and many of them have no hair at all. People call it “Xolo” for short, which sounds like “SHOW-low”.
Lives in: Everywhere Read xoloitzcuintli factsMammal
Kinkajous are furry rainforest animals that hold onto branches with their tail. They use their long tongue to lick up nectar and honey.
Lives in: Rainforests Read kinkajou factsMammal
Wolverines look like small bears, but they are really part of the weasel family. Their big, wide paws work like snowshoes.
Lives in: Mountains Read wolverine facts