Acrobats in the Yard
As I sit in my office writing, it is not uncommon to look out the window and see a Western Gray Squirrel leaping from tree to tree. Sometimes he drops to the ground, dashes under the front gate to grab nuts that have fallen out of our trees onto the lawn or check the feeder we have set out for him. There is a little park just beyond our fence that seems to be the territory of a sweet pair of Western Grey Squirrels. We have named them Randy and Cocoa.
They will come down on the ground to look for food. However, when it comes to staying safe or traveling across the park, they prefer to head up the trees. When they are on the ground foraging, they rely on other squirrels or birds to let them know when predators are nearby. Their acrobatics are just amazing!
What Does A Grey Squirrel Tell You?
When a grey squirrel visits your world, it is a reminder to stay positive. No matter how busy or hurried it is, the grey squirrel always bounces from limb to limb in a playful and joyful manner. What a healthy way to live your life. Squirrels also remind us to prepare for the future. It plans, works hard, makes strategies, and is ready for anything.
Cool Facts About Western Grey Squirrels
They are great tree climbers and use their tails to balance If they fall out of a tree, they can use their tail as a parachute or a cushion They live 7 or 8 years in the wild Their teeth never stop growing but stay short because the squirrels are constantly chewing A baby squirrel is only about an inch long
Where Do Western Grey Squirrels Live?
Western grey squirrel will make their home in a hollow tree or in a nest called a drey. It will make the nest tree branches out of twigs and then line it with moss or grass. Abandoned woodpecker holes also make a great place to take up residence. We have seen our squirrel couple duck into a nest hole about 40 feet off the ground in one of the nearby trees.
What Do Western Grey Squirrels Eat?
Squirrels love nuts! It is a stereotype, but it is true. They also enjoy acorns and seeds. If you have a bird feeder set for your feathered friends, you will probably see a few furry ones too. Any extra food they can collect is stashed in their nest or buried somewhere in their territory. They can find these caches months later with their excellent sense of smell. That comes in handy when the cold winter months hit.
How Do Grey Squirrels Communicate?
Squirrels are quite intelligent and intuitive. You may have heard them squawking at you from the trees if you get too close to their territory. Grey squirrels will even talk smack to predators telling them to bug off. The sounds are not a language like we have, but they chatter away at each other and seem to understand the exchange by instinct. The squirrels may make loud barking sounds, flick their tails and stamp their feet when they feel threatened. They also use their tails to communicate, pointing out danger. Their sound system and body language are quite complex.
How Do Grey Squirrels Breed?
The squirrels mate during the winter or early spring. You may see the females looking a little battered since this is often a violent process where they may bite or hurt each other. The kits will be born soon after and stay in the nest for up to six months. The females are also very territorial and will guard their area and even fight other female squirrels.
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