Which sentence states a fact?
The American red squirrel, or Tamiasciurus hudsonicus, looks graceful as it leaps from tree to tree. Born blind, baby squirrels depend on their mothers for two to three months after birth.
A fact is something that can be proved by research or observation.
Napoleon Bonaparte was shorter than King Louis XVI.
The statement above is a fact. The statement can be proved by researching the height of each man and comparing them.
An opinion is something that a person believes, thinks, or feels. An opinion cannot be proved.
Napoleon Bonaparte was a better leader than King Louis XVI.
The statement above is an opinion. People can have different ideas about what makes someone a "better" leader, so the statement cannot be proved.
The second sentence states a fact.
Born blind, baby squirrels depend on their mothers for two to three months after birth.
It can be proved by searching online for information about how young squirrels develop.
The first sentence states an opinion.
The American red squirrel, or Tamiasciurus hudsonicus, looks graceful as it leaps from tree to tree.
Looks graceful shows what a person believes, thinks, or feels. Another person might have a different opinion about whether the American red squirrel looks graceful.