Eastern Gray Squirrel
The eastern gray squirrel is not native to Idaho. It was introduced by humans. However, they are plentiful and you can often see them scampering in the trees or foraging on the ground for nuts in neighborhoods and forests, especially in southern Idaho. They have grayish fur, with a buff underbelly and a flattened, bushy tail.
© 2008 Elizabeth A. Sellers. Courtesy of life.nbii.gov
Habitat: These little rodents live in trees, usually hardwood or mixed forests with nut trees, especially oak-hickory forests. You have probably seen them in your neighborhood or in your own backyard.
Food: They are diurnal (only active during the day), and feed mainly on seeds and nuts, particularly pine seeds and acorns, though they will also take berries, fungus and other food. They have also adapted to eating peanuts, sunflower seeds, and other treats people feed them in their back yards.
Fun Facts: These squirrels bury nuts for later use, especially in winter when food is scarce. They can smell buried nuts under a foot of snow!
