Mammal Detail
Eastern Gray Squirrel
One of the state's most visible mammals, this quick tree-dweller is both a backyard regular and a skilled forest seed scatterer.
Photo by Boys in Bristol Photography
Habitat
Mature hardwood forests, college quads, suburban parks, and neighborhoods with broad-canopy trees.
Diet
Acorns, hickory nuts, seeds, buds, fungi, and occasional fruits or garden scraps.
Fun facts
- Gray squirrels bury more nuts than they recover, which helps regenerate woodland areas.
- Their tails act as balance tools, parachutes, and cold-weather blankets all at once.
- A squirrel's irregular zigzag sprint is a predator-avoidance tactic, not just nervous energy.
Keep Exploring