Eastern Gray Squirrel
(Sciurus carolinensis: Sciuridae)
Typical Sciurus carolinensis. Notice the white ring around the eye.
Description: Gray squirrels are about 42.5-50 cm (17-20 in) in length with about 18-25 cm (7.1-9.8) comprising the tail. In most gray squirrels, the body and tail have a distinct grayish cat caused by silvery tips on many of the hairs. Underparts are yellowish-white and there is a white eye-ring and a white patch behind the ear, especially in the winter months (see above). Some gray squirrels appear totally black, and this melanistic phase is common in various parts of the Great Lakes region. People often call these "black" squirrels, and are also found at the Hope College field station. S. carolinensis primarily feeds on acorns, walnuts, and other seeds and "scatter hoards" in the late summer by burying nuts in shallow holes to recover in winter. It seeks refuge in either a tree cavity or an exposed leafy nest made from twigs and leafs placed in a fork of a tree. However, these nests are not used in winter and are not suitable for females to raise their young in. The squirrels reproduce 2-4 young twice a year and usually live 2 years or less.
Geographic Range: S. carolinensis lives throughout the East, from the Gulf Coast to the northern Great Lakes. They are found througout the state of Michigan.
Figure 1. N. American distribution of S. carolinensis
Habitat requirements: The
eastern gray squirrel is very versatile and has adapted well to
human disturbance. Gray squirrels can be found wherever deciduous
trees are abundant. They inhabit extensive forested areas, dense
woodlots, riparian strips, or even residential neighborhoods and
city parks. It prefers mature trees that provide nesting hollows
and edible nuts or seeds. Sizeable stands of walnut, hickory,
maple, or beech are preferable, it also frequents mixed deciduous
stands.
Distribution on the Preserve: Abundant in all areas of the reserve. Highest concentrations occurred in the center third of the reserve as well as the northwestern side, near the residential area.
Status on reserve: Based on recent transect surveys of the reserve, S. carolinensis has approximately 2.3 squirrels per hectare. Because the squirrels rareley venture more than 150 m from their nests during their lifespan, numerous leaf-nests indicate that they are permanent residents, and therefore breeders, on the property. S. carolinensis' most serious threats, hunters and automobiles, are not present on the reserve. Therefore, its natural predators such as hawks, wild and domestic canids, bobcats, and snakes are its threats. However, these animals do not pose a danger to the the population as a whole. Simply maintaining a no hunting policy in the reserve and leaving the hardwoods intact can effectively manage this species.
Literature Cited:
Kurta, A. Mammals of the Great Lakes Region. U. of
Michigan Press: Ann Arbor. 1995.
Contributors: Spencer Bacon, Anna Kievit, Gregory Town
