Sciurus carolnensis
Table of Contents
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: Animalia |
| Phylum: Chordata |
| Class: Mammalia |
| Order: Rodentia |
| Family: Sciuridae |
| Genus: Sciurus |
| Species: Sciurus carolinensis |
Conservation Status
Identifying Features
Eastern gray squrrels are a a large roden, with body lenths between 8-10". They are most seen with a pimarily gray coat with a white belly but can have redish hues or be completely black in color. Their tail is busy and long.
Their hind tracks are 2 1/2" with 5 toes, and front tracks show 4 toes.
Habitat & Range
These squirrels live predominately in forested areas across the Eastern United States and Canada.
Behavior
Eastern gray squrrels are more social than red squirrels, and they have a variety of calls and visual movements to communicate with eachother.
Life Cycle
They make their nests at the tops of trees out of leaves and twigs. The nests are about a foot in height and are called “dreys”. Females give birth to litters of 2-3 on average and young leave the mother after a month and a half.
Fruits, nuts, seeds, and fungi make up the bulk of their diet.
Featured image by Grendel Khan.