Squirrels and bushy tails

As I type I am watching another squirrel do the tightrope walk on the power lines over the busy street outside my house.  I am struck by the movements of the squirrel's tail and I am fairly sure it is how the squirrel is able to maintain such exquisite balance on narrow tree branches and wires.  All it takes are constant, minute adjustments in tail position to maintain the squirrel's center of gravity in the proper position. It reminds of tightrope walkers who hold long poles to maintain their balance.  It would be interesting to look at animals with bushy tails and their habitats and niches to see if they also perform delicate balancing acts as part of their survival.