Eastern gray squirrel

Sciurus carolinensis

Rodents of the trees

The Eastern gray squirrel is one of the most common and recognizable squirrel species in North America, including the eastern United States and parts of Canada. Known for its bushy tail, gray fur with hints of red or brown, and white underbelly, the Eastern gray squirrel is a highly adaptable and agile arboreal mammal. It thrives in a variety of habitats, including forests, urban parks, suburban neighborhoods, and even city centers. Eastern gray squirrels are primarily herbivores, feeding on a diverse diet of nuts, seeds, fruits, buds, and sometimes insects and bird eggs. They are known for their habit of caching food, storing surplus nuts and seeds in various locations throughout their territory to sustain them through the winter months. Eastern gray squirrels play important roles in forest regeneration and seed dispersal, as well as serving as prey for predators such as hawks, owls, and foxes. They are also considered a valuable and charismatic species in urban and suburban environments, where they are often admired and enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

Black morph of the eastern gray

Some Eastern gray squirrels exhibit a dark or black coloration due to a genetic mutation called melanism. Melanism is the opposite of albinism and results in an excess of dark pigment (melanin) in the animal's fur, skin, or feathers. In Eastern gray squirrels, melanism can cause their fur to appear uniformly black or very dark brown, sometimes with hints of gray or silver. While black Eastern gray squirrels are relatively rare compared to their more common gray counterparts, they can be found in various populations across their range. Melanism can provide advantages in certain environments, such as increased camouflage in heavily forested or urban areas with dark backgrounds. However, the presence of black squirrels is primarily due to genetic variation rather than environmental selection pressures.