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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
Phylum or Division: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Rodentia
Family: Sciuridae
Subfamily: Sciurinae
Identification: Sciurus carolinensis is a medium sized tree squirrel (8 to 10 inches long with a bushy, 6 to 8 inch long tail, weighing 500 to 600 grams). There is no difference in size or coloration between males and females. Coloration ranges from dark to pale grey body with white to pale grey underbelly and tail. More black-coated Grey Squirrels occur in the north. Grey Squirrels are highly adapted for climbing trees – they have tough curved claws, and the ability to reverse their hind foot 180 degrees to permit headfirst descent. Gray squirrels are excellent climbers and can leap considerable distances using powerful hind limbs. Tails are used for balance when running and leaping between trees, and held over the back of a resting animal.
Original Distribution: Sciurus carolinensis originally ranged only over the eastern USA to just west of the Mississippi and north to Canada.Current
Distribution: Eastern USA, England, Ireland, Northern Italy, South Africa, and Western Canada.Site, Date and Mode of Introduction: Sciurus carolinensis first appeared in the English countryside between 1876 and 1929 having been accidentally released from the London Zoo. The introduction of “Scioattolo Grigio” to Northern Italy also occurred in the late 19th century when Reason(s) why it has become established: In England, Ireland and Italy, the American Grey Squirrel quickly adapted to the native forests of the countryside. The Grey Squirrel is larger and more aggressive than its European cousin, the Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris), which is about half the size of the Grey at 250 to 400 grams. The larger Grey Squirrel survives cold winters better than its thin cousin, as it is able to store more fat. Taking advantage of its size by foraging in the trees as well as on the ground, the Grey Squirrel out competes the smaller Red, who stays in the trees to avoid predation. Grey squirrels are generalist feeders, while the Red Squirrel prefers conifer forests. The adaptable Grey feeds on nuts, flowers, fruits, seeds, tree bark, fungi as well as bird eggs, nestlings and frogs. |
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