ExploreMammals

Western Gray Squirrel

Sciurus griseus

The Western Gray Squirrel is a fluffy little animal with a bushy tail. They love to climb trees and gather nuts to eat. You can often see them playing in parks and forests!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Western Gray Squirrel has a strikingly bushy, long tail and a sleek coat of silver-gray fur on its back, contrasting sharply with its pure white belly. Its large, dark eyes complete its distinctive woodland appearance, making it easily recognizable.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderRodentiaFamilySciuridaeGenusSciurus
Western Gray Squirrel
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Western Gray Squirrel

Category

Mammals

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Eyes on sides of head give them a wide view to spot predators.

Squirrels sometimes 'plant' new trees by forgetting where they buried nuts.

Their teeth never stop growing, so they gnaw constantly to keep them short!

They can rotate their ankles almost 180 degrees to run headfirst down trees!

Special abilities

Ability

Survival Tail

Western Gray Squirrels can use their enormous bushy tail as both an umbrella and a sunshade, protecting them from the elements.

Ability

Memory Mapper

Western Gray Squirrels can remember hundreds of hidden food stashes using spatial memory, ensuring they have food even in winter.

Ability

Trickster Cacher

Western Gray Squirrels can fake burying nuts to fool watching predators or other squirrels, protecting their real food stores.

Ability

Branch Runner

Western Gray Squirrels possess incredible acrobatic skills to run along branches and jump between trees, allowing swift escapes.

Measurements & details

Length
40-60 cm
Weight
0.5-1 kg
Lifespan
8-10 years
Top Speed
20 km/h
Litter Size
1-5
Gestation
40-45 days

Diet & Feeding

These adaptable eaters enjoy a menu of nuts, seeds, fruits, and mushrooms found in their forest homes.

Primary Foods

  • Acorns
  • Pine Nuts
  • Fungi
  • Berries
  • Tree Buds
  • Insects

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

It's best to watch squirrels from a distance so they feel safe and happy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Western Gray Squirrel?

40-60 cm

How much does Western Gray Squirrel weigh?

0.5-1 kg

How long does Western Gray Squirrel live?

8-10 years

How fast can Western Gray Squirrel move?

20 km/h

What does Western Gray Squirrel eat?

These adaptable eaters enjoy a menu of nuts, seeds, fruits, and mushrooms found in their forest homes.

Where is Western Gray Squirrel usually found?

Forests

How does Western Gray Squirrel hunt?

Foraging

How many babies does Western Gray Squirrel usually have?

1-5

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Where to spot

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