Gray Squirrel

OVERVIEW

• Common tree squirrel
• Mostly gray or brown with white underbody
• Large bushy tail
• Builds nest in the fork of trees made of twigs and leaves; will also use abandoned bird nests or woodpecker holes
• Most active early in the day or in the evening
• Does not hibernate
• Enters homes in late fall as the temperatures drop
• Eats tree bark, seeds, acorns, nuts, and fungi; will raid birdfeeders
• Hoards food
• State mammal of North Carolina
• Can descend a tree head down by turning its hind feet backwards to grip the tree bark and support it’s weight