Opinions vary regarding squirrel digits. Some people say they have thumbs, while others say not or only a pseudothumb or protothumb. While it is certainly possible for what they have to evolve further, it is already thumblike enough for squirrels to manipulate objects in ways that truly pawed animals cannot. This is obvious to anyone who has watched them hack into a birdfeeder. They are dextrous enough to work many types of latch or catch that does not have a padlock or an extremely strong spring on it.
Re: Thoughts
Opinions vary regarding squirrel digits. Some people say they have thumbs, while others say not or only a pseudothumb or protothumb. While it is certainly possible for what they have to evolve further, it is already thumblike enough for squirrels to manipulate objects in ways that truly pawed animals cannot. This is obvious to anyone who has watched them hack into a birdfeeder. They are dextrous enough to work many types of latch or catch that does not have a padlock or an extremely strong spring on it.