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  • Writer's pictureJennifer J

Animal Profiles: The Grey Squirrel

Updated: Feb 11, 2021


Grey Squirrel

The Grey Squirrel is one of the cutest and most adorable animals in the world.


They are also known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel.


Grey Squirrels are one of the many different species of squirrels in the world today.

There are estimated to be 289 known species of squirrels in the world today.


But, perhaps there are more species of squirrels out there that we haven't found yet? Last year, we just found a new lemur species - and we are finding new species of animals all the time. Therefore, there may be other squirrel species out there that we haven't found yet, which is exciting to think about!


The grey squirrel is a squirrel species that we do know about. Grey squirrels are a very successful animal - and seem to be one of the most successful animals in the world today.


What Is Their Population?


In the UK, the grey squirrel population is big. The grey squirrel population is estimated to be 2.7 million in the UK!


Grey squirrels aren't a native animal to the UK - they were introduced into the UK from America in the 19th century - this shows how successful and widespread grey squirrels have become in the UK. Grey Squirrels are native to North America.


It's not clear what the grey squirrel population is entirely.


What Is Their Conservation Status?


What is clear is that they are not endangered, and therefore, are not at risk of extinction today. Instead, their conservation status is of 'least concern', which is the furthest an animal can be from being endangered.


What Is Their Population Trend?


Grey Squirrel

What Is Their Population Trend?


The good news is, is that the grey squirrel population is increasing today. This means that their population trend is one that is increasing, which is positive, as many species of animals in the world today are seeing their population decreasing.


Do They Have Any Threats Towards Them?


Grey Squirrels can sadly be persecuted or given a bad reputation, as they are seen as an 'invasive species'.


What Is Their Habitat?


The natural habitat of Grey Squirrels are forests. However, they can also be found in parks and urban areas.


What Is Their Diet?/What Food Do They Eat?


Grey Squirrels eat a variety of different foods in the wild. They will often eat things like acorns, pine cones, flowers, and buds. They also eat eggs from other animals in the wild, and, sometimes they even young birds.


When Is Their Breeding Season?


The breeding season for Grey Squirrels is between December and February.


Female Grey Squirrels will remain pregnant for about a month and a half. Once they give birth, they will give birth to around two to three kittens on average (which are baby squirrels). Female Grey Squirrels can have more young though.


What Is Their Personality Like?


Grey Squirrels are lively and confident animals, they love to show off their acrobatics skills while climbing trees and jumping from one tree to another tree - which is pretty fun to watch them do.


Where Are They Found In The World?


Grey Squirrels are native to North America, where they are found - they are found in the eastern United States of America and parts of Canada. They were also introduced into the UK and other parts of Europe, where they are also found today.


Some Facts


Kingdom: Animalia

Class: Mammalia

Order: Rodentia

Phylum: Chordata

Family: Scuiridae

Genus: Sciurus


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