Insects are eaten in the summer and are probably especially important for juveniles. Cannibalism has been reported, and squirrels may also eat bones, bird eggs and nestlings, and frogs. Reproduction Males start follwing females 5 days before estrus and may come from as far away as 500 meters. Estrus in the female is indicated by an enlarged pink vulva, a condition which usually lasts less than 8 hours. The vagina is closed in prepubescent and anestrous females.
Copulation lasts less than thirty seconds.
After ejaculation, a gelatinous white vaginal plug forms, preventing further sperm entry. Gestation lasts 44 days. Most females begin their reproductive life at 1.25 years but can bear young as early as 5.5 months. Females may bear young twice a year for more than 8 years. Males usually are sexually mature by 11 months but maturity can be delayed by as much as two years if the young males are housed with a dominant adult male.