Which of the following animals gnaws on the bark of trees?

Squirrels are known for gnawing on the bark of trees as part of their natural behavior. This activity serves several purposes; primarily, it aids in their dental health, as squirrels’ teeth continuously grow throughout their lives. Gnawing helps wear down their teeth to avoid overgrowth, which can lead to health issues. Additionally, squirrels may gnaw on tree bark to access the nutritious cambium layer underneath it, especially during the winter months when food sources are scarce. Their strong incisors are perfectly adapted for this kind of biting and gnawing, making them proficient at stripping bark from various tree species. This behavior is not only critical for squirrels themselves but can also have ecological impacts, affecting tree health and the surrounding ecosystem.