123pest.com
Beta
Grey Squirrel
(Sciurus carolinensis)
Photo by
Mikes-Photography
Overview
Biology
Lifecycle: Grey squirrels have a typical rodent lifecycle, including birth, growth, reproduction, and death. They reproduce twice a year, with litters usually consisting of 2 to 5 pups.
Reproduction: Breeding occurs in late winter and early summer. Female grey squirrels build nests, often in tree cavities, where they raise their young.
Behavior: Grey squirrels are agile and acrobatic tree climbers. They build nests, called dreys, in the branches of trees, and they are known for their distinctive "chattering" vocalizations.
Longevity: In the wild, their lifespan is relatively short, usually around 6 to 12 years. Predation, disease, and other factors can affect their longevity.
Food
Diet: Grey squirrels are omnivorous and consume a wide variety of foods, including nuts, seeds, fruits, flowers, and fungi. They are also known to eat insects and occasionally small vertebrates.
Foraging: They are particularly skilled at foraging for nuts, often burying them in the ground as a form of food storage. Some of these nuts are later retrieved, while others may grow into new plants, contributing to forest regeneration.
Grey squirrels are tree-dwelling rodents native to North America, and they are well-known for their adaptability and invasive tendencies in some regions. They have become a common sight in many urban and suburban areas.
Description
Size: Grey squirrels are small to medium-sized rodents, with adults typically measuring about 23 to 30 cm (9 to 12 inches) in body length and an additional 20 to 25 cm for their bushy tail.
Appearance: Their fur is predominantly grey, but it can vary from silvery-grey to brownish-grey. They have a white belly, and their tail is covered in long, bushy hairs.
Habitat
Grey squirrels are highly adaptable and can be found in a wide range of habitats, including deciduous and coniferous forests, urban areas, and suburban neighborhoods.
Shelter: They build nests called dreys, which are typically located in the branches of trees. They may also nest in tree cavities, attics, and other sheltered locations.
