The Grey Squirrel
The Grey Squirrel
Sciuris carolinensis
Description of Appearance
- Head and body length: 25-26.5cm
- Weight (adult): about 500gm
- Tail length: around 22cm
- Grey fur with large bushy tails which they arch over their back
Lifecycle
- Breeds around February/march and occasionally again in June/July time.
- They can have 1 - 3 litters a year and around 1 - 7 young per litter.
- The gestation periods last around 45 days, weaned after 8 - 10 weeks
- Capable of breeding at around 7 months but on average this takes place at around 10 - 12 months
- In the wild less than 1% lives for more than 6 years but have they have been known to live to 8 or 9 years
Habits & Behaviour
- Common in deciduous and mixed woodlands, they are also found in hedgerows, banking, gardens, trees and farms
- Dreys (nests) are compact and sphere-shaped. 30-60cm in diameter and surrounded by twigs, dry leaves and grass inside
- Squirrels feed on acorns, tree shoots, flowers, nuts, fruits, roots and cereals. Food is eaten at ground level
- Their range covers 2-10 hectares and they bury spare food 2-5cm below the soil or in tree hollows
- They are diurnal, active before sunrise and after sunset. The peak of activity is in the autumn
Important
- Squirrels can nest in Lofts, wall cavities, and the void in-between false walls
- By gnawing they can damage tree bark and the fabric of buildings
- Grey squirrels are widespread and not protected in the UK