How often does reproduction occur? Eastern grey squirrels breed twice in a year, typically.gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate).
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Two litters are born each year in late winter and midsummer with generally 2-4 young per litter(up to 8 young are possible). Males usually are sexually mature by 11 months but maturity can be delayed by as much as two years if the young males are housed with a dominant adult male. Females may bear young twice a year for more than 8 years. Most females begin their reproductive life at 1.25 years old but can bear young as early as 5.5 months. Females may mate with more than one male as well. Males compete among themselves for the ability to mate with female eastern grey squirrels. These animals are found in the following types of habitat.These holes are also useful as shelter from extreme weather in winter (hibernation). Sometimes they use tree cavities and holes as nests for raising their young. They build leaf nests (collections of leaves) in the higher branches of large trees. Oaks, walnuts, and pines are some of the trees produce foods that last through winter storage.Įastern grey squirrels also use trees for nests.
![gray fur animal age gray fur animal age](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/52/0e/f7/520ef7b42554bbb6570f8391c1588d41.jpg)
Populations of eastern grey squirrels are highest in forests with trees that produce foods that last through winter storage. By staying in the trees they are better protected from predators. These squirrels prefer having a continuous forest canopy (upper layer of leaves and branches) so that they can forage and travel mainly in the trees, rather than travelling on the ground. In some areas, the native squirrels are becoming threatened and endangered as a result of this competition.Įastern grey squirrels prefer expanses of mature, mixed forest. They compete with native European red squirrels. In these places eastern grey squirrels are considered a pest species. They have also been introduced into Italy, Scotland, England, and Ireland. They have been introduced into some part of the western United states and some areas of Canada where they were not previously found.
![gray fur animal age gray fur animal age](https://jooinn.com/images/animal-fur.jpg)
If you see a black squirrel, it is most likely an eastern grey squirrel that is melanistic.
![gray fur animal age gray fur animal age](https://a-z-animals.com/media/2021/05/Gray-Fox-baby.jpg)
Some populations of eastern grey squirrels are entirely melanistic, so that all squirrels in that area are black over their whole body. Melanism is common in northern populations of this species. The fur on their back ranges from grizzled dark grey to pale grey and may have red tones. Males and females are similar in size and color. Eastern grey squirrels are medium sized tree squirrels.