Species · GBIF taxon 5219672
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.
ArborealDiurnalSeed Disperser
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Acorns
- Pine Seeds
- Truffles
Predators
- Red-tailed Hawk
- Bobcat
- Coyote
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, competition with invasive squirrels, disease, and road mortality
HabitatsOak woodlands, mixed pine-oak forests, montane conifer forests
Life spanTypically 7 to 10 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilySciuridae
- SpeciesSciurus griseus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Capable of a sharp bite if cornered; observe their acrobatic movements from a respectful distance.
- What to notice
- Distinguish them from eastern gray squirrels by their larger size, pure gray coat without brown wash, and solid white belly.
- Support conservation
- Maintain a respectful distance, keep domestic cats indoors, and avoid removing mature oak or pine canopy.
Responsible observation
- 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.
Competitor (c) Diliff, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Frequent Companion VJAnderson / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Host Plant (c) Ed Alverson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Ed Alverson · cc-by
Predator (c) Nigel Voaden, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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