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Natural squirrel predators11/14/2023 ![]() This time of year, when the cold of winter sets in, they prefer cavity nests in trees where they will be better protected from the cold. Abandoned woodpecker holes are often used, in particular ones with entrance holes less than three or four inches wide-larger entrances allow raccoons, a common predator, entry. According to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Service, the home range of a gray squirrel varies from one to 25 acres depending upon the habitat and food availability. However, most gray squirrels average a mere 160 feet in their normal daily movements. These are generally occupied by just one, or sometimes two, squirrels during the milder months. While squirrel-watching the other day, I realized I have no idea where these squirrels are when they are not at the bird feeder. A walk through the pine-dominated woods behind my house is generally dominated by the chatter of red squirrels, alarmed by my presence. But where are the gray squirrels? Gray squirrels prefer hardwoods, and will make leaf nests (called dreys) in the late summer and early fall out of leafy branches (the leaves help shed rain) and lined with insulating mosses, shredded bark and grass. Looking for something unusual?: Birders say you should look for these feathered friends in the weeks ahead Gray squirrels have a more diverse food supply and store nuts and seeds in dispersed locations and so therefore need to be able to travel about the woods more freely than the pine-nut hoarding red squirrels who cache large numbers of pinecones in central locations that must be defended. I can recognize at least three different gray squirrels who visit my feeder. One is missing part of its tail, the other has a notch in its ear and looks a little mangy, the third is the plump healthy-looking one. They seem to get along fairly well and will often plunder bird feeders located just a couple feet apart with no apparent conflict. This fits with what is known of their behavior. They aren’t as territorial as our other local squirrel - the red squirrel. It is believed that this might have something to do with their food preferences. They are also both predators and prey. While we think of rodents, like squirrels, as being primarily herbivores, according to the USFWS their diet also includes numerous insects, amphibians such as peepers and red-backed salamanders, and, amazingly, birds! The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) site lists cardinals and bald eagles among the prey of gray squirrels - it turns out that gray squirrels are voracious predators of both eggs and nestlings. In turn, squirrels feed a variety of suburban predators - from foxes, weasels and bobcats to hawks and owls. It is not possible to distinguish between red and grey squirrel dreys.Our backyards benefit from their presence. Squirrels help control plant populations by eating seeds and fruits. It is easier to observe these in winter when there are fewer leaves on the trees. ![]() 30cm across, at least 6m above the ground) of twigs and leaves which are usually located in the fork of the branches, close to the trunk. ![]() Nests: The nests of red squirrel (and grey squirrel) are known as dreys. By comparison, mice and voles gnaw holes in nuts in a characteristic pattern. ![]() They prise the nut apart after making an incision at the top. They are small, round pellet shapes (0.5-0.8cm long and 0.5cm thick).įeeding signs: Squirrels, much like birds, split nuts open at the top, leaving jagged edges and irregular pieces. This does depend on their diet, especially true if diet includes pine cones. They can be dark grey or black and are often sweet smelling. ![]() Forefoot width is 2.5cm and length 3.5cm and hind foot width is 3.5cm and length 4.5cm.ĭroppings: Droppings are usually found near trees. Can have red tinge to fur.ĭownload a printable field sign guide here!įootprints: Tracks can be seen in mud (see photo), sand and snow. Silver/grey, agouti (speckled) coat, with a brownish tinge on feet, face and along the back, especially in summer. ![]()
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