Gray Squirrel

Habitat
Although the gray squirrel in found in parks and yards, woodlands are it's preferred habitat. It builds it den in tree branches, inside a hollow trucnk, or in an empty bird's nest. It usually lines it's nest with moss, dried grass, and feathers and builds a cover. A squirrel will grow sevaral nests or dens and use them all. When a female had yound, the nest is theirs alone, but winter nests and sleeping dens are often shared to genearate warmth.

Squirrel in Woodland Habitat:



Food
The gray squirrel need to eat every day, even in the winter. It does not hibernate and is unable to save enough energy to survive for long periods without food. It is most active and dawn and suck, when it searches for whatever fruits, shoots, and seeds are in seasons. Small thumbs on it's front paws alllow it to hold the food securely as it feeds. The squirrels diet waries according to season. It eats mainly tree bark and fungi in the winter and buds and plant shoots in the spring. In September it eats nuts and acorns. A hungry gray squirrel will also raid bird's nest for eggs, steal food from bird feeders, and dig up plants. The gray squirrel buries extra food just below the earths surface, which later it locates by smell.

Squirrel Eating Nut:



Breeding
Female squirrels can mate only 2 times a year, but males can mate at any time. Often, sevearal males will attempt to mate with the same female. They try to attract her attention by slapping the bark of trees with their paws and chattering loudly. After mating the male plays no part in the rearing of the yound. Birth occurs six week after mating. The blind young are fed every 2-4 hours every for several weeks. At seven weeks, they follow their mother out on the tree branches and before long have learned to climp. The yound squirrels gradually begin to eat solid food. If there are not too many squirrels in the area, the young will build their dens nearby. Otherwise, they will be chased away to less crowded feeding area's.

Baby Squirrel:



Size
Body Lenghth- 9-12 in.

Tail Lenghth- 7-10 in.

Weight: 12-28 oz.

Fun Facts

 * The squirrels front teeth continue to grow throughout it's life, so they can never be worn away by the animals continual nawing.


 * A male squirrel can smell a female that is ready to mate up to half a mile away.


 * The gray squirrel can leap more than 20 feet.


 * The squirrels hind legs are double jointed.