Wildlife Removal Services Inc.

Tree Squirrel

Biology:  The fox squirrel, eastern gray squirrel, southern flying squirrel, and the red pine squirrel are all common to the state of Ohio.  Home range size may vary from 1 to 100 acres. Squirrels move within their range according to availability of food.  Preferred nest sites are tree cavities.  The flying squirrel is active at night, while all other squirrels are active during the day.  Typically about half the squirrels in a population die each year.         

Mating Habits:  Squirrels mate when they are 1 year old.  Young squirrels breed only once in their first year, but older squirrels mate in mid-December or early January and again in June.

Gestation Period:  Approximately 42 – 45 days is normal.

Birthing Times:  February to March and again in August. 

Litter Size:  3 young per litter is typical.

Life Span:  Squirrels over 4 years in the wild are rare.

Foods:  Diet consists of acorns, hickory nuts, walnuts, in the fall; tree buds in early spring and late winter; fruits, berries and plant materials in summer; corn and any fruits when available.  They will also eat insects and other animal matter. Nuts are often stored for later use.

Hibernation:  Squirrels do not hibernate.

Legal Status:  Not protected by federal law, but state & local regulations may apply.

Catch & Release Status:  It is ILLEGAL to release this or any animal on the land(s) of another without written permission from the landowner.  This is the LAW in the state of Ohio.