Animal Profiles
Mammals

Squirrel

Sciuridae

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Squirrels include many different rodents. This account describes the eastern grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), a tree-dweller that stores food for later use.

Sciurus carolinensis (squirrel)

Representative species: Sciurus carolinensis.

JeffreyGammon · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Eastern grey squirrels are native to eastern North America and introduced in parts of Europe. Mature woodland, parks and gardens provide food and shelter.
Habitat
Temperate forest, Towns and cities
Diet
Omnivore
Food
Nuts, seeds, buds and fruit dominate meals; insects and other animal food are sometimes taken.

Classification

Common name
Squirrel
Browse group
Mammals
Scientific name or taxon
Sciuridae
Taxon rank
family
Order
Rodentia
Family
Sciuridae
Source classification
Mammalia

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • It buries food in scattered caches.
  • Memory and smell help recover stored food.
  • It uses tree cavities and leafy nests.

Habitat and range

Eastern grey squirrels are native to eastern North America and introduced in parts of Europe. Mature woodland, parks and gardens provide food and shelter.

Appearance and adaptations

Grey fur and a bushy tail are typical, though coat colour varies. Its feet allow it to climb and move among trees.

Diet and behaviour

Nuts, seeds, buds and fruit dominate meals; insects and other animal food are sometimes taken. It is active mainly by day. Food storage helps bridge seasonal shortages, while tree hollows and nests provide shelter.

Sources

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