A squirrels back and sides of its coat are silver-gray in color and the underside is white. Its broad, bushy tail is about the length of its head and body combined.
Gray squirrels mate in late winter and spring. After a 44-day gestation period, females give birth to a litter of any where from two to seven young. They are blind and deaf at birth but are weaned and somewhat independent at eight to 10 weeks of age. The nest is often in a tree cavity or constructed of leaves suspended in the treetops. These leaf nests are also used for temporary protection against inclement weather or predators. However the female can find or make an entry area into a house or residental structure.
They are tree-dwelling rodents are great climbers and jumpers. They have keen senses of sight, smell, and hearing and are alert, nervous and wary, especially on the ground. When danger is near, they quickly retreat to the safety of the trees.
The gray squirrel is active year-round but needs tree cavities or man made structure for shelter during harsh weather. In the fall, gray squirrels gather and bury, at random, a winter food supply. This food supply is usually recovered as needed, by sniffing the ground until a buried nut is found.
