Eastern Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)
Adults: 40-50 cm (with tail), 400-650 grams
Did You Know?
- Most of British Columbia's grey squirrels are black (they can be either grey or black)!
- Eastern grey squirrels were introduced into Stanley Park in 1914 and have since spread all over the Lower Mainland!
- The Grey Squirrel, a North American original, was introduced in England in 1890. It now lives in most parts of the U.K.!
Characteristics:
- Much larger than the Douglas' squirrel
- Black or grey, large bushy tails
Habitat:
- Prefer deciduous or mixed forests
- Well adapted to residential settings, very common in backyards
Diet:
- Seeds of oak, maple, ash and elm trees
- Feed on flower buds, fruit and leaves in spring and summer
- Known to eat eggs or young birds
Breeding:
- Can have up to 2 litters of 1-8 young per year
- Young usually born between April and August
- Frequently nests in trees, attics, chimneys
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