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Eastern Gray Squirrel
(Sciurus carolinensis)
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Overview
Biology
Reproduction: Eastern Gray Squirrels typically have two breeding seasons per year, one in late winter or early spring and another in late summer. Females give birth to litters of 2 to 4 young, called kittens, in a nest (drey) made of twigs and leaves.
Behavior: Highly arboreal, Eastern Gray Squirrels are excellent climbers and can leap between trees with ease. They are also known for their ground foraging, especially in search of buried nuts and seeds.
Food
Eastern Gray Squirrels are primarily herbivores, with a diet that includes nuts, seeds, acorns, fruits, berries, fungi, and sometimes bird eggs and insects. They are known for their habit of burying nuts, which serves as a food reserve during winter months when fresh food is less abundant.
The Eastern Gray Squirrel is a common tree-dwelling rodent native to eastern North America. It has also been introduced to various other regions around the world. Known for its adaptability and acrobatic abilities, the Eastern Gray Squirrel is a familiar sight in urban and suburban environments.
Description
Appearance: The Eastern Gray Squirrel has a bushy tail, typically gray fur on its back, and a lighter underbelly. In some regions, the coloration can vary, with individuals having reddish or even black fur. They have large, expressive eyes and strong, sharp claws for climbing.
Habitat
Eastern Gray Squirrels are adaptable to various habitats, including deciduous and mixed forests, urban and suburban areas, parks, and gardens. They build nests (dreys) in trees using leaves and twigs, and they may also use tree cavities for shelter. They are commonly seen foraging on the ground and climbing trees in search of food.
