3) and Eastern fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) were introduced in Washington in the early 1900s. The Eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)(Fig. Mammals of the Northwest: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and British Columbia The Eastern gray squirrel is from the deciduous and mixed coniferous-deciduous forests of eastern North America, and was introduced into city parks, campuses, and estates in Washington in the early 1900s. These nocturnal gliders are surprisingly common, yet are seldom seen in their forest homes throughout the state.

Its eyes are dark and large, and its tail is wide and flat. It is rich brown or dark gray above and creamy below. 4) is the smallest tree squirrel in Washington, measuring 10 to 12 inches in total length. The Northern flying squirrel(Glaucomys sabrinus)(Fig. This species is found in low-elevation oak and conifer woods in parts of western and central Washington. It has gray upper parts, a creamy undercoat, and its tail is long and bushy with white edges. 1) is the largest tree squirrel in Washington, ranging from 18 to 24 inches in length. The Western gray squirrel (Sciurus griseus)(Fig. It is rusty-red on the upper part and white or grayish white on its underside. The Red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) is about the same size as the Douglas squirrel and lives in coniferous forests and semi-open woods in northeast Washington. The Douglas squirrel is found in stands of fir, pine, cedar, and other conifers in the Cascade Mountains and western parts of Washington. Its upper parts are reddish-or brownish-gray, and its underparts are orange to yellowish. 2) measures 10 to 14 inches in length, including its tail. The Douglas squirrel, or chickaree (Tamiasciurus douglasii)(Fig. Most squirrels die during their first year if they survive that, they live three to five years.Vehicles, disease, and starvation also kill squirrels.On the ground, large hawks and owls, domestic cats and dogs, coyotes, and bobcats catch squirrels.In trees, squirrels are relatively safe, except for an occasional owl or goshawk.The second litter may stay with the mother in the nest through the winter until well after the winter courtship season.At about three months of age, juvenile squirrels are on their own, sometimes remaining close to the nest until their parent’s next breeding period.At about 60 days of age, they begin eating solid foods and venture to the ground. At about 30 days of age, the young are fully furred and make short trips out of the nest.All except flying and western gray squirrels may produce second litters in August or September.One litter of two to four young is produced from March to June. Depending on the species, tree squirrels mate from early winter to late spring.Nests contain leaves, twigs, shredded bark, mosses, insulation, and other soft material.

In urban areas, squirrels mostly nest in buildings and other structures.

In areas with prolonged periods of cold weather, red squirrels may construct a winter nest underground, often in or near a food storage site.

An alternate nest may be constructed in a tree for summer use.

Where these are unavailable, they will build spherical or cup-shaped nests in trees, attics, and nest boxes.

Tree squirrels construct nursery nests in hollow trees, abandoned woodpecker cavities, and similar hollows.

Mammals of the Pacific Northwest: A Pictorial Introduction

Noisy sputterings and scoldings from the tree canopy call attention to the native Douglas squirrel, also known as the chickaree, or the similar size native red squirrel.

Monofilament recovery and recycling programįigure 2.

Do squirrels hibernate.