Gray squirrels are found throughout the eastern half of the United States and in southern Canada. Habitats include broad-leafed forests, city parks and suburban areas.

Their basic diet consists of acorns and hickory nuts. In addition, they feed on a great variety of succulent buds, various fruits and berries, seeds and even insects. In the fall, gray squirrels spend a lot of time gathering nuts. Some are eaten and some are buried. In winter they rely on their buried food for sustenance, as well as birdseed stolen from backyard feeders. Many buried nuts are forgotten and may eventually sprout and become trees.

Nesting is normally in high, old tree cavities cushioned with leaves and moss, but gray squirrels also construct leafy nests in tree branches to use mainly as feeding shelters and for sunning.

Gray squirrels may breed in midwinter and again in late spring. Late winter or spring litters are usually born in tree hollows, summer litters in leafy nests. Males play no part in raising the young, which average two to four per litter and nurse for about nine weeks. When the young are about forty days old, they can eat solid food and will even venture out from their nest.

Text © 1995 Dianne Harrah, Drawing © 1995 Bill Harrah.
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Having scrutinized its landing site before springing from its den high in the forest, this airborne southern flying squirrel extends all four legs at right angles from the body to stretch its gliding membrane, or patagium. Using its broad, flat tail as a rudder, it can steer agilely around branches or other obstacles. It also manipulates its tail and patagium to control speed, enabling it to land upright with the hind feet touching first, usually on the vertical trunk of another tree.

The spectacular glide of southern flying squirrels most often occurs at night, perhaps so they can avoid detection by hawks and other daytime predators. Although they typically land 20 to 30 feet from their starting point, glides up to 240 feet have been recorded. These squirrels are less than a foot long, including tail, and weigh a mere two to four ounces.

Text © 2001 Terry White, Drawing © 2001 Bill Harrah.

Flying Squirrel
#LE-SQL-501
Limited Edition Print
Issue Date: 03/2002
Edition Size: 500
Image: 6.5” x 8.25”
Paper: 8.5” x 11”
Mat: 11” x 14”
$35.
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Information Accuracy
The information for the written description of each animal has been carefully researched by the authors and is believed to be accurate. New scientific observations, however, could make some information out-of-date. If you are a professional zoologist, and have new information that you are willing to share, please contact Dianne Harrah .