Eastern Gray Squirrel

Description:

The eastern gray squirrel or grey squirrel (depending on region) (Sciurus carolinensis), is a tree squirrel in the genus Sciurus native to the eastern and midwestern United States, and to the southerly portions of the eastern provinces of Canada. ~ Wikipedia Spotted at Aspen Academy.

Habitat:

In the wild, eastern gray squirrels can be found inhabiting large areas of mature, dense woodland ecosystems, that generally cover 40 hectares of land.[13] These forests usually contain large amounts of dense understory vegetation that provides sufficient amount of food sources and favorable shelters for eastern gray squirrels. Oak-hickory hardwood forests are preferred over coniferous forests. ~ Wikipedia

Notes:

Eastern gray squirrels generally prefer constructing their dens upon large tree branches and within the hollow trunks of trees. They also have been known to take shelter within abandoned bird nests. The dens are usually lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass, and feathers. These perhaps provide and assist in the insulation of the den, used to reduce heat loss. A cover to the den is usually built afterwards.~ Wikipedia