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Eastern Gray Squirrel

Sciurus carolinensis

Description:

As the name suggests, the eastern gray squirrel has predominantly gray fur, but it can have a brownish color. It has a white underside and a large bushy tail. Particularly in urban situations where the risk of predation is reduced, both white- and black-colored individuals are quite often found. The melanistic form, which is almost entirely black, is predominant in certain populations and in certain geographic areas, such as in large parts of southeastern Canada. Genetic variations within these include individuals with black tails and black-colored squirrels with white tails.

Habitat:

A prolific and adaptable species, the eastern gray squirrel has been introduced to, and thrives in, several regions of the western United States. It has also been introduced to Britain, where it has spread across the country and has largely displaced the native red squirrel, Sciurus vulgaris. In Ireland, the red squirrel has been displaced in several eastern counties, though it still remains common in the south and west of the country. There are concerns that such displacement might happen in Italy and that gray squirrels might spread from Italy to other parts of mainland Europe.

Notes:

Spotted in my backyard.

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3 Comments

ceejayalyssa
ceejayalyssa 10 years ago

awesome find :)

Ajwerko
Ajwerko 11 years ago

Great photo!!

Great capture Laurie,congrats and thanks for sharing

LaurieWinters
Spotted by
LaurieWinters

St. Petersburg, Florida, USA

Spotted on Jan 12, 2013
Submitted on Jan 14, 2013

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