Family: Sciuridae, Squirrels view all from this family

Description Largest native tree squirrel along the Pacific coast, this gray squirrel has a long pepper-gray tail with white edging. Silver-gray back contrasts with pure white belly. A patch behind the ears is pale reddish brown. Feet are dusky. Pelage is more silvery and ears are relatively larger than in the Eastern Gray Squirrel..

Dimensions 51-77cm, 24-38cm, 500-950g

Breeding Stick nests, called dreys, are used for rearing young, and tree holes are used as sleeping chambers.

Habitat Forests & woodlands, Alpine & subalpine habitats, Cities, suburbs & towns

Range California, Northwest

Discussion Forages extensively on the ground for acorns, maple seeds, catkins, green vegetation, and fungi, as well as for pine nuts in the canopy. They scatter-hoard acorns in the fall by making many small holes in the ground. Maximum longevity in the wild is 8-10 years. Shy and intolerant of humans, making it difficult to see even though it is diurnal. Threatened in the north of its range. Uses oak-conifer woodlands