All About Squirrels!
Life-span:
- A squirrel usually lives for 6 years. In the city, most squirrels only live for one year as they are killed by cars.
Appearance:
- The Eastern Grey tree squirrel (common in our region) is mostly grey or black, but can also have a reddish colour.
- The tail is very large and bushy.
- An adult squirrel weighs about 400-600 grams.
Behaviour:
- A squirrel is active during the day.
- A squirrel builds her nest in trees, attics, chimneys, vents, roofs and walls.
- A squirrel doesn’t hibernate during the winter, but spends lots of time in her nest to stay warm.
- A squirrel communicates with vocal sounds and postures.
- A squirrel is always looking for food which he often hides to eat later.
- A squirrel is very fast and will attack if threatened.
Diet:
- A squirrel will eat roots, stems, bark, shoots, leaves, fruit nuts, seeds, fungi and flower bulbs.
Reproduction:
- A female squirrel has two litters per year (spring and late summer) with an average of 5-6 babies per litter.
- The babies are called “pups”.
Other:
- A squirrel’s four front teeth never stop growing, but they get worn down from constant chewing.
- A squirrel’s tail can be pulled off while escaping from predators! It does not grow back.
Learn more about other wild animals
