Bug Identifier
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Community identification

Eastern Gray Squirrel

Sciurus carolinensis

Order & Family
Order Rodentia, Family Sciuridae
Size
38 to 52 cm (15 to 20 inches) in length, including the tail.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Dense woodlands, urban parks, and residential neighborhoods across North America.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous; primarily feeds on acorns, nuts, seeds, buds, and berries, but will occasionally eat insects, bird eggs, and small nestlings.

Behavior Patterns

Diurnal and active year-round. They are hoarders that cache food in numerous small pits for winter recovery; they are also known for their agility and vocal communication.

Risks & Benefits

Benefits the ecosystem through seed dispersal and forest regeneration. Potential risks include property damage/gnawing on structures and wires, and they can carry parasites like ticks and fleas.