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The gray squirrel is the most common squirrel inhabiting over 2/3 of the United States. In general, squirrels come in a variety of colors from pure black to pure white and all shades in between. Squirrels are typically 8"-10" long and 12 to 24 ounces in weight. They are mainly active during the day. They do not hibernate but will typically spend long hours in their nest during the cold winter months. The tail of the squirrel plays a very important role in communication, locomotion and insulation.
Fox squirrels are about 18 to 24 inches long from nose to tip of tail. They weigh about 2 pounds and have a large, bushy tail with yellow-tipped hairs. Fox squirrels are usually a grizzled rusty brown on top and buff to bright rust below. Fox squirrels can vary in color from silver-gray to black.
Gray squirrels are about 17 to 19 inches long from nose to tip of tail. They are typically gray on top with buff underfur, although some have blackish fur. Their bushy tails are gray with silvery-tipped hair. Gray squirrels are a pale gray on their underparts.
Flying squirrels are much smaller (9 to 10 inches long including tail) than fox and gray squirrels and have a membrane of skin that extends from the wrist of the front leg to the ankle of the hind leg. They have a horizontally flattened tail that serves as a rudder during glides. Flying squirrels have large eyes. Their fur is long and silky gray to brown on their back and creamy white on their belly.
Flying squirrels are most active at night, while both fox and gray squirrels are most active in morning and late afternoon.
Adult fox squirrels breed during December and January, and sometimes again in early summer. They dwell primarily in tree cavities and leaf nests. About three to six young are born after a 45-day gestation period. Each newborn squirrel weighs about 1/2 ounce. The young are weaned at 3 months of age. Fox squirrels do not hibernate, although they spend much time in their nests during the winter. Fox squirrels generally live from four to seven years but can live as long as 12 years.
Fox squirrels eat mostly fruits, nuts and buds of trees. Field corn and soybeans are eaten in the fall if available. Squirrels occasionally eat berries, insects, fungi and carrion. Fox squirrels are prey to hawks, owls, snakes and many ground predators.
Eastern gray squirrels have a litter of two to three young in spring. Another litter is born in late summer. The young are weaned at 50 days but those in the second litter stay with the female over the winter. Acorns and other nuts are the main food of gray squirrels. Eastern gray squirrels nest in tree cavities or leaf nests in mature trees.
Southern flying squirrels breed during late winter and again in early summer. A single litter usually produces three to four young.
Cage squirrel traps should be 18 to 24 inches long with a least 5 x 5 inch door. Place traps outside and very near the squirrel's entry hole. If placed on a roof, traps should be securely fastened and protected from extremes of heat or cold by a cover that is not accessible to the squirrel as it reaches through the cage . Bait the trap with corn, whole pecans in shell and/or other treats. |
