Number 2

HABITAT REQUIREMENTS
The gray squirrel thrives in both
urban and rural settings. Of the
seven species of squirrels native to
North Carolina, the gray is the most
common.
Mast-bearing hardwood trees are
the most important element of
squirrel habitat. Mast is any hard fruit
such as acorns, beechnuts, and
hickory nuts. Other important tree
and shrub species provide flowers,
buds, fruit, cones and samaras (fruit
of maple trees) in season.

Food
Squirrel populations fluctuate with
changing yields of mast. When mast
is not available, other fruits and
berries, flower parts, buds, bark,
roots, mushrooms, and animal
matter comprise the diet. Variety in
tree species is essential for habitat
stability. Listed below are some of
the most common food sources
throughout the year.
Cover
Den trees are essential to squirrels
for winter shelter, escape cover, and
rearing of young. Natural den
cavities begin to appear in 40-50
year old stands. Although leaf nests
are also used, the survival rate of
young is 40% lower in leaf nests
compared to cavities. Frequently,
squirrels will claim 2 or 3 dens at the
same time. Moderate to dense

SEASONAL FOODS OF GRAY SQUIRRELS

Distributed in furtherance
of the acts of Congress of
May 8 and June 30, 1914.
Employment and program
opportunities are offered to
all people regardless of
race, color, national origin,
sex, age, or disability.
North Carolina State
University, North Carolina
A & T State University, US
Department of Agriculture,
and local governments

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter

Acorns (Red Oaks)

Acorns (White Oaks)

Hickory & Beech

Walnut

Buds & Flowers

Berries

Fungi

Yellow Poplar Seeds

North Carolina
Cooperative Extension Service
North Carolina State University
College of Agriculture & Life Sciences
College of Forest Resources

Page 2

ground cover near den trees is preferred for

cover and concealment. On the average about
half of the den cavities identifiable from the
ground are suitable for raising young. Optimal
habitat has 2 to 3 suitable cavities per acre.
Water
While gray squirrels frequently use open water
when available, daily needs can be satisfied
from other sources such as dew and succulent
plant material. Lack of surface water is not a
limiting factor in squirrel habitat.
Home Range
The home range of gray squirrels varies from
1.5 to 8 acres and is usually smaller where
populations are high. Populations develop
social hierarchies or "pecking orders"
influenced by age and sex of the animals.
Dominant animals usually have larger home
ranges.

Squirrel Box Tips

Place dry leaves or straw on nest box floor

Mount boxes 20 - 25 above ground in

suitable trees. Suspend box with a nail
and metal hanger attached to the back of
the box

Use a crimped wire to attach box base that

can loosen as the tree grows

Erect nest boxes in suitable habitat where

there are less than three natural dens per
acre

Construct nest boxes of decay resistant

woods (cedar, cypress, etc.)

Inspect, clear, and replace litter in the nest

boxes each summer

Squirrel Box Construction

N.C. Cooperative Extension Service

Working With Wildlife # 2 - Eastern Gray Squirrel

Page 3

TIPS FOR IMPROVING SQUIRREL

HABITAT
Mature Hardwood:
Retain hardwood or mixed
pine/hardwood types
Create 10 to 40 acre stands
Keep 1/3 of tract in 50 years or more
In pine types, create or retain
hardwood patches (5 acres or more)

Mast Production:
Control ground cover by mechanical
methods
Plant or select for mast producing trees
along fences, streams, and field edges.

Direct Improvements:
Erect nest boxes where cavity trees
are lacking
Protect den trees
Manage mast production areas
Plant mast producing trees

Intermediate Treatments:
Thin frequently for larger crowns and
increased nut production
Favor mast species in thinnings

Transitions:
Leave some grain unharvested in
adjacent croplands

Species That Benefit From Gray Squirrel Management:

Numerous game and nongame species with habitat requirements similar to squirrels benefit from
squirrel management. Rather than focusing on a single species, habitat management plans should
emphasize the communities of which squirrels are a part. The following species are common
squirrel associates:
Songbirds
Woodpeckers
Wood Thrush
Acadian Flycatcher
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown-headed Nuthatch
Hooded Warbler
Parula Warbler
Red-eyed Vireo

Raptors
Cooper's Hawk
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-shouldered Hawk
Barred Owl
Great Horned Owl
Screech Owl

Game Species
Raccoon
Wild Turkey
Wood Duck
White-tailed Deer

Cost share assistance may be available through the Stewardship Incentive Program for these
practices. See your Wildlife Biologist, Forester, or Extension Agent for more information about the
Forest Stewardship Program. Also see Working With Wildlife #17 - Woodland Nest Boxes.
Prepared by:
Mark A. Megalos, Extension Forestry Specialist,
Edwin J. Jones, Department Extension Leader,
Michael S. Mitchell, Graduate Research Assistant

N.C. Cooperative Extension Service

Working With Wildlife # 2 - Eastern Gray Squirrel

Page 4

19 1/2

19 1/2

12

20

18 1/2

Squirrel Box Layout for 1 x 10 x 8 Board

No. 1 - Endangered Species
No. 2 - Eastern Gray Squirrel
No. 3 - White-tailed Deer
No. 4 - Songbirds
No. 5 - Wild Turkey
No. 6 - Wood Duck
No. 7 - Cottontail Rabbit
No. 8 - Bobwhite Quail
No. 9 - Ruffed Grouse
No. 10 - Black Bear
No. 11 - Raccoon
No. 12 - Mourning Dove
No. 13 - Wildlife Terms

Other Wildlife Notes Available:

No. 14 - Snags and Downed Logs
No. 15 - Managing Edges for Wildlife
No. 16 - Building Songbird Boxes
No. 17 - Woodland Wildlife Nest Boxes
No. 18 - Low Cost Habitat Improvements
No. 19 - Pools for Amphibians
No. 20 - Hummingbirds and Butterflies
No. 21 - Bats
No. 22 - Owls
No. 23 - Managing Beaver Ponds
No. 24 - Herbaceous Plants for Wildlife
No. 25 - SIP Wildlife Opportunities

FOREST STEWARDSHIP
a cooperative program for
improving and maintaining all of the
resources on private forestland

N.C.
Cooperative Extension Service
9-94-4M-WWW-2

Working With Wildlife # 2 - Eastern Gray Squirrel