Grey Squirrel

Description:

Indigenous to North America and introduced by Cecil John Rhodes to Cape Town around the turn of the 19th-20th Century. Grey squirrels are common in the Western Cape wherever there are pines and oaks and has not spread significantly into natural vegetation. Hence, while alien to South Africa, it is not considered a serious threat to local biodiversity although it does supplement its vegetarian diet by predation of eggs and chicks in bird's nests.

Habitat:

Spot this one on the telephone lines in corner of garden. It had a little standoff with a pigeon!

Notes:

Grey squirrels are solitary, except when a female is accompanied by her young. They are diurnal and may be seen at anytime of the day but are generally most active in the early morning and later in the afternoon. Although it is an arboreal (tree dwelling) species, squirrels spend a lot of time foraging on the ground. They rest in dreys, a spherical nest, constructed in the branches of the trees. These nests are normally about the size of a soccer ball and made up of twigs, shredded bark, leaves and any other soft materials such as string, paper and rags. It is thickly lined with dry grass, moss and fur and is very well insulated. Squirrels will also make use of tree holes that they line with leaves and other soft litter. Tree squirrels do not hibernate, however, in cold weather they will stay in their nests only leaving every few days when it is necessary to find food.