The Eastern Gray Squirrel

1. The Eastern Gray Squirrel By: Christine McDonnell

2. The Eastern Gray Squirrel • I observed the Eastern Gray Squirrel. • This species of squirrel is primarily found on the Eastern Seaboard of the US, stretching as far west as Missouri and Eastern Texas. • A Gray Squirrel’s life span is from 7-8 years. Some squirrels in captivity have lived to be 20 years old. The gray squirrels weigh about 1 ½ pounds. This type of squirrel is 16-21 inches long. • I studied this animal on the 12th and 13th of August in the year of 2007, around mid-day. • I took these photos in my neighbor’s backyard and in the woods close to my house. • The habitat was around ground that was either heavily wooded or had little or no grass and plants.

3. The Eastern Gray Squirrel

4. This is the squirrel’s natural habitat

5. Neighbor’s Backyard • This is a squirrel next to a bird feeder. It seems to be eating birdseed.

6. Neighbor’s Backyard • This group of squirrels are at the bottom of a bird feeder. • *Note: Squirrels seem to like to eat birdseed.*

7. Tree in neighbor’s backyard • As this picture shows, the eastern gray squirrel is a wary creature and must keep a constant watch for danger.

8. Neighbor’s Backyard • This squirrel is eating. • I can’t tell what it is eating; a nut or some birdseed?

9. What I Learned • The Eastern Gray Squirrel is a small, speedy mammal. • It will eat foods such as nuts and birdseed. • It will run away when it senses danger. • It was very difficult to get pictures of. • I respect this creature because squirrels have more to fear and they survive in the woods off nuts and berries.

10. Fin