Gray Squirrel By Chelsea Hunter (04/29/09 22:00:21)
Related animal: Squirrel
THE BASICS An Eastern Gray Squirrel dreyThe Eastern Gray Squirrels builds a type of nest, known as a drey, in the forks of trees. The drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs. It may also build a nest in the attic or in the exterior walls of a house, often to the consternation of the homeowner. In addition, the squirrel may inhabit a permanent tree den.[5]
The Eastern Gray Squirrel is more active during the early and late hours of the day, and tends to avoid the heat in the middle of a summer day.[5] It does not hibernate.[6]
Predators include humans, hawks, mustelids, skunks, raccoons, domestic and feral cats, snakes, owls and dogs. On occasion, a squirrel may lose part of its tail while escaping a predator.
INTERESTING FACTS!!! The squirrel's front teeth continue to grow throughout it's life, so they can never be worn away by the animal's continual gnawing.
A male squirrel can smell a female that is ready to mate.
The gray squirrel can leap more than 20 feet
When a squirrel senses danger its first instinct is to stand motionless
COMMUNICATION
Call: Chattering and piercing scream
Squirrels communicate through a series of chirps
HOW CUTE!
Baby squirrels do not have teeth or hair. They are blind for the first six to eight weeks of life. nests also contain a nursery!
WARNING When confined, squirrels become quite frantic and will careen around the enclosure possibly inflicting damage unto themselves. If possible provide water with sugar dissolved in it. When animals become stressed their blood sugar decreases dramatically and this could cause them to go into shock and die.
JUST IN CASE YOU DIDNT KNOW When a gray squirrel finds a bird feeder they look upon it like a tree full of acorns. They don’t understand about ownership rights, they just see a lot of good food that needs to either be eaten or stored for winter
PLAYING The juvenile squirrels will play together, practice nest building, find and store food
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