Eastern Gray Squirrel

Scientific Name: Sciurus carolinensis

Order & Family: Rodentia, Sciuridae

Size: 18 to 30 inches (45 to 75 cm) in total length, with half of that being tail; 10 to 25 ounces (280 to 700 g) in weight.

Eastern Gray Squirrel

Natural Habitat

Eastern Gray Squirrels are highly adaptable and thrive in deciduous and mixed forests, woodlands, suburban areas, and urban parks, as long as there are trees for shelter and food sources. They build dreys (nests) in tree hollows or from leaves and twigs in tree branches.

Diet & Feeding

Primarily omnivorous, their diet consists mainly of nuts, seeds, fruits, and buds. They will also eat fungi, insects, bird eggs, and even small vertebrates if available. Their caching behavior is vital for their survival during leaner months.

Behavior Patterns

Squirrels are known for their active and energetic behavior. They are diurnal, meaning they are most active during the day. They spend a significant amount of time foraging for food, burying nuts and seeds for later retrieval (caching behavior). They are agile climbers and can jump impressive distances between branches. Communication involves various vocalizations, including chirps, barks, and chattering, as well as tail flicking.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include being a minor nuisance in gardens due to digging and eating crops, potential for causing damage to homes or electrical wires if they nest inside, and carrying fleas or ticks. Benefits include playing a role in seed dispersal through their caching behavior, which aids in forest regeneration. They can also be a food source for larger predators.

Identified on: 6/26/2025