Western Gray Squirrel
Sciurus griseusAlso known as Silver-Gray Squirrel, California Gray Squirrel, Oregon Gray Squirrel, Banner-Tail
Western gray squirrels are the largest native tree squirrels in their range, easily recognized by their luxurious silver-gray fur and spectacular, white-edged tails. These shy forest dwellers spend most of their lives high in the canopy of oak woodlands and pine forests, descending to the ground primarily to forage for acorns and bury them for winter. Unlike their highly adaptable eastern cousins, they rely heavily on intact, mature woodlands and are sensitive to urban development.
- diet
- Herbivorous (acorns, pine seeds, fungi, green vegetation)
- family
- Sciuridae
- threats
- Habitat fragmentation, competition with invasive squirrels, disease, and road mortality
- life Span
- Typically 7 to 10 years in the wild
LC
Capable of a sharp bite if cornered; observe their acrobatic movements from a respectful distance.
They are state-listed as threatened in Washington and endangered in other localized areas due to severe habitat loss.
Maintain a respectful distance, keep domestic cats indoors, and avoid removing mature oak or pine canopy.- Listen for warning calls: They emit a deep, hoarse barking sound when alarmed by predators or intruders.
- Look up: Scan the forks of mature oak and pine trees for their large, messy stick nests called dreys.
- Keep wild areas wild: Retain mature oak trees and snags on your property to provide vital food and nesting sites.