Eastern Gray Squirrel
Sciurus carolinensis
{Species
Archive Index}
photo by © Ginger Allen, Univ. of FL.
Body- gray back, light belly, 17-19"
Identifiers- long bushy flattened tail with white tips
Adaptations- claws aid in climbing, tail used for balance;
as an umbrella, blanket and swim rudder
Status- common in habitats with trees and nuts
Distribution- eastern U.S.A.
Habitat- hardwood and mixed forests, urban areas
Diet- fruits, nuts, seeds, bulbs, mushrooms, insects
Fun facts
- caches food, locates by memory and smell
- forage during the day, do not hibernate
- chatter noisily and wave tail when angry
- used for food by Native Americans, colonists, still hunted in FL.
{Species
Archive Index} |
