SQUIRRELS:

SCIENTIFIC NAME:

Sciurus Caroliniensis

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION:

Gray squirrels are the most common squirrels in North America. They are famous for their bushy gray tails, which is as long as the head and body combined. During the winter, the tail is trimmed with white, and the fur behind the ears turns white. They reach their adult size approximately 6 months after they are born which is between 3 ½ and 11 ½ pounds.

Squirrels are habitual and take the same route wherever they go. This makes them feel safe from predators since they know where they are. Squirrels can hang upside-down by their feet, do to their flexible legs and clinging nails. They are skilled climbers and acrobats, which helps them hunt food, and steer clear of enemies.

REPRODUCTION:

The mating period for gray squirrels begins in late December or early January. Squirrels are pregnant for about 45 days before they give birth. The babies are born in February or March, and another litter is born in July. The most common litter consists of 3 to 5 babies.

When they are born, the squirrels' eyes are not open and they are very weak. After about six weeks in the nest, the squirrels are ready to venture out and gather food on their own.

EATING AND LIVING HABITS:

Squirrels are territorial and have their own territory, which is determined by their age or size. Their nests are made of soft leaves and grass in a fork of a branch or in the hollow of a tree. Squirrels usually nest in old trees such as sycamores, oaks, elms, and maples because the tree is more hollowed out for shelter. They protect this domain by marking their territory with urine, just as dogs do, and defending their territory with loud, sharp barks to warn off invaders.

Their sharp teeth and claws help to defend them from the predators on the ground, and their shelter from the branches of trees saves them from predators that fly. The average life span of a squirrel in the wild is 6 years. Most succumb to predators.

Squirrels generally make their homes in wooded forests, and live in the hollow part of trees. They eat berries, seeds, nuts, insects, eggs, plants, and roots. Squirrels will eat bread and any other snack that humans give them. During the winter, when food is scarce, squirrels are prepared. In the fall, they steal the nuts that fall from trees and bury them in the ground to save for colder days. Squirrels can smell these nuts even through snow, and dig them up to eat.

Squirrels wake up early in the morning and sleep in their trees when it is dark. They are active during the morning and in the afternoon. In the daytime, when it is sunny, they become less active and spend their time in the trees barking to ward off enemies.

DAMAGE:

Squirrels can dig and chew through many different materials. Some consider them to be pests. They can get into attics through holes they make in the eaves and tear up insulation. Their urine that is left behind attracts other animals, because it contains pheromones, which are sexually attractive hormones needed for mating purposes.

Squirrels are difficult to get rid of since they live in communities and strongly defend their domains to the death. Once a squirrel is taken away, unless the urine is eliminated, more squirrels from the same community will remain.

THANKS TO SQUIRRELS...

Squirrels are a necessity to the wildlife environment. Because of their habit of burying nuts to save for the winter, squirrels act as tree-planters. When a nut falls on the ground, it has a 1 in 10 chance of sprouting. If a squirrel buries a nut IN the ground, it has an 8 in 10 chance of sprouting. This is very important for the growth of the environment.

CREDITS:

www.wildtexas.com/wildguides/squirrel.htm

www.flex.net/~lonestar/squirrel.htm

Written by Sara Galles, Special Assistant to the Branch Coordinator, ABC Humane Wildlife.

OTHER REFERENCES INCLUDE:

Donald F. Hoffmeister, MAMMALS OF ILLINOIS. University of Illinois Press, 1989 by the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois.

Garon Fyffe, Director and Naturalist of ABC Humane Wildlife.