Grey Squirrel

	Where do they live?
	Geographical Range Found throughout the eastern half of the United States, Grey Squirrels are one of this region's most visible mammals. Habitat They can adapt to almost any area, even in the middle of cities where there are only a few trees.
	What do they eat?
	Grey Squirrels forage (look for food) both in trees and on the ground. They bury acorns and other nuts in shallow pits near their nests. They also eat fruits, buds, mushrooms, insects, bird eggs, and the inner layer of tree bark (cambium).
	Who are their natural enemies?
	Squirrels have many ememies, from foxes, wolves, and cats to hawks, owls, and snakes.
	Cool things to know about them
	Size The head and body range from 8-10 inches, and the tail is about the same length! Life span Squirrels have lived up to 15 years in captivity, but the average squirrel has a much shorter life span in the wild. Nests They prefer to nest in hollow trees, but if these are not available, they build bulky leaf nests high in the treetops. Business hours Squirrels are strictly diurnal (active during the daylight hours). They look for food mostly in the early morning and late afternoon. They do not hibernate and are active all year round. Breeding Grey squirrels breed during two times of the year - late winter and early summer. The gestation period (pregnancy) lasts about 45 days, and females usually produce two litters of 2-6 babies each year. Babies Newborn squirrels are born hairless, their eyes and ears tightly closed. Their eyes finally open at about 28 days. Babies may continue to nurse up to four months. When a new litter is due, the mother will abandon the nest and select a new site for the next litter. Tree Farmers When squirrels bury acorns and nuts, they often forget to return and eat them. Many of these abandoned seeds sprout into trees. Squirrels help to spread oak, hickory, pecan, walnut and other hardwood trees.
	How do humans affect them?
	Hunting Many people in the South hunt squirrels for food. Some folks get annoyed when squirrels steal food put out for birds, so they exterminate these harmless creatures.
	What can you do to help?
	Don't be stingy! It's a fact - squirrels will get into almost any bird feeder and help themselves. The best thing to do is set up a special squirrel feeder with dried ears of corn or birdseed. If you also feed birds, try using a squirrel-resistant feeder in a different part of the yard. This works pretty well for me, and I am able to enjoy both squirrels and birds in my yard.