Rolling Hills Wildlife Adventure

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Fast Facts:

This agile, alert animal is a common sight in both rural and urban areas.
The front teeth continue to grow throughout the squirrel's life.

Grey Squirrel

Scientific Name	Sciurus carolinensis
Classification	Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Rodentia Family: Sciuridae
Status	Stable
Range	Native to North America but introduced to Great Britain, Ireland and South Africa.
Habitat	Prefers woodlands
Diet	Tree seeds
Size	Length: 9-12 inches with a 7-10 inch tail Weight: 12-28 oz
Lifespan	3 - 4 yrs.
Location
Print Fact Sheet	Grey Squirrel

Special Features

The long, muscular hind legs and the short front legs help the Gray Squirrel leap.
The hind feet are double jointed to help him scramble up and down the trees.
The front feet have 4 slender toes with sharp claws used for gripping the trees.
The back feet have 5 toes.
The bushy tail helps the Gray Squirrel keep its balance in the trees.
They can leap over 20 feet.

Social Structure & Behavior

They do not hibernate. A Gray Squirrel will build several nests in tree branches or hollow trees and use them all.

They bury extra food just below the soil's surface where it can be easily located.

Communication is by calls, body language and scent. The position of the tail indicated mood. Urine and glandular secretions identify individuals.

Reproduction
Sexual maturity at 11 months. Gestation 44 days. Average litter size is 3. Females have 2 litters per year. Babies are fed every 2-4 hours. Weaned at 10 weeks.