| Appearance: |
The Gray Squirrel is from 1 3/8 to 1 2/3 feet (.4
to .5m) long
and weighs from 15 to 25 ounces (425 to 710g). The fur is a dark gray
color
above and a paler gray on the underside. The flattened tail is covered
with bushy gray silver tipped fur. Black and albino phases exist in
some
parts of the range. |
Breeding
Information: |
Two times per year Jan/Feb and May/June, young are born
44 days after
conception. Young are able to move around the nest at 6-7 weeks.
Males do not help raise young. Females raise 3-5 young. |
| Activity |
Year around (they do not hibernate) and diurnal (They
are active in
daylight hours). |
| Diet: |
Squirrels diets consists of nuts, such as walnuts,
acorns, beechnuts,
hickory nuts and chestnuts, as well as various soft fruits, maple tree
seeds and other seeds and corn. |
| Distribution: |
In all probability, the most frequently seen wild
mammal in the eastern
United States is the Gray Squirrel. It is found in all states east of
the
Mississippi River except extreme northern Maine and a small area in
western
Florida. |
| Damage: |
Squirrels sometimes nest in the eaves of homes and
commercial buildings.
They can also cause structural damage. Squirrels are avid chewers and
will
gnaw electrical wires. |
| Diseases: |
Gray squirrels are not considered important vectors of
humane diseases. |
