A list of important food sources for squirrels is shown on page 2. Nests And Dens. Gray squirrels use leaf and twig nests as well as dens in tree cavities. Leaf nests are temporary structures and are seldom used longer than one season. Dens are often used for many years.
Dens offer protection from cold and wet weather and safety from predators.
Tree dens are necessary to maintain high gray squirrel populations. The best gray squirrel habitat consists of mature, mixed oak and hickory forests. Large, extensive hardwood forests are most desirable for gray squirrel management, but smaller stands can be successfully managed as well. Woodlots as small as 5 to 10 acres can support one to five gray squirrels per acre. Some characteristics are essential for good gray squirrel habitat.