Squirrels are one of the most common and recognizable kinds of wildlife found in Georgia, with gray squirrels being the most common squirrel species in our state. Gray squirrels and fox squirrels are two distinct squirrel species, but they have a wide range of similarities.
Appearance
Gray squirrels: Gray squirrels are mostly gray-brown in color (gray backs and sides, white or gray bellies, and white-fringed tails) and weigh between 12 – 24 ounces.
Fox squirrels: Fox squirrels are more variably colored ranging from black to blond and a variety of shades between. They generally have a red or orange hue, orange bellies, and black-fringed tails. Their coats are also longer, they have bushier tails, and more hair on their ears than gray squirrels.
Habitat
Both species spend much of their lives in the trees, but come down to forage for food.
Gray squirrels: Gray squirrels can be found statewide in both rural and urban areas, with especially high densities in urban and suburban areas such as parks and neighborhoods.
Fox squirrels: Fox squirrels are also found statewide, but they have a more sporadic distribution. They tend to prefer mature pine and mixed pine/hardwood habitats.
Diet
Both species will bury nuts and seeds to dig up in the winter, when food is more scarce.
Gray squirrels: Fox squirrels have the more varied diet of the two species. Fox squirrels will eat: acorns, nuts, seeds, leaves, grains, dogwood and blackgum fruit, mulberries, and grasses. They will also eat insects, moths, eggs, and dead fish or birds.
Fox squirrels: Fox squirrels will eat fungi and nuts, seeds, and buds from specific types of trees (including oak, walnut, hickory, pine and pecan). They will also eat insects, eggs, hatchling birds, frogs and carrion.
Damages
In some situations squirrels can become a nuisance. They can gnaw and strip bark from upper branches of trees, as well as gnaw wiring, tubing and holes into buildings and vents (they especially love to get into attics). Squirrels will dig holes in gardens and wood mulch to bury or retrieve nuts and other stored food items. They also love to eat at your home buffet: impatience plants and stocked bird feeders.
Habitat Modification
To “squirrel proof” your property: trim tree limbs at least 10 feet away from your home’s roof line, then wrap the tree trunks with 12″ (or greater) aluminum flashing at least 6 feet off the ground. Cap all your chimney flues, screen your attic vents, and remove/modify all or your bird feeders.
Call Wild Trappers
If you need squirrels removed from your residential or commercial properties, call Wild Trappers. Our state certified wildlife trappers will remove squirrels and any other nuisance wildlife from your property via safe and humane animal trapping and removal techniques. We will also inspect your property inside and out, top to bottom, to identify the entry points and/or potential problem areas and offer you safe and cost effective solutions. Call us today for a quote or inspection.
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