Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)

The grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is a medium-sized rodent native to the United States and Canada, they are also in abundance throughout the UK due to being an invasive species. Due to their adaptability, grey squirrels have also been introduced to other various regions in Europe, where they are now well-established.

Grey squirrels have a distinctive appearance with a body length of 23 to 30 centimetres (9 to 12 inches) and a bushy tail measuring 19 to 25 centimetres (7.5 to 10 inches). They typically weigh between 400 to 600 grams (14 to 21 ounces). Their fur is predominantly gray, often with a mix of brown, and they have a white or light gray underbelly. The tail, a key feature, is long and fluffy, used for balance and warmth.

Grey squirrels are diurnal, being most active during the early morning and late afternoon. They are highly agile climbers and spend much of their time in trees. Their diet is varied and omnivorous, primarily consisting of nuts, seeds, fruits, fungi, and occasionally insects and bird eggs.

These squirrels are known for their habit of burying nuts and seeds, which they later retrieve. This behaviour not only helps them survive winter months when food is scarce but also contributes to forest regeneration, as forgotten seeds can sprout into new plants.

Grey squirrels breed twice a year, typically in late winter and mid-summer. After a gestation period of around 44 days, females give birth to litters of 2 to 8 young, known as kits or pups. The young are born blind and hairless and are dependent on their mother for about 10 weeks. They reach sexual maturity at about one year of age.

In urban and suburban areas, grey squirrels are a common sight and often come into close contact with humans. They can be both a source of enjoyment and a nuisance. While many people enjoy watching their acrobatics and feeding them, grey squirrels can also cause problems by raiding bird feeders, digging up gardens, and sometimes nesting in attics.

Grey squirrels are highly adaptable and thrive in a variety of habitats, including deciduous and mixed forests, parks, and urban areas. They prefer areas with a high density of large trees, which provide food sources and nesting sites. They build nests, known as dreys, from twigs and leaves, usually located in tree branches or cavities.