Tree squirrels typically feed on many wild fruits and nuts, but during summer they will eat newly planted seed, fruits, berries, and succulent plant materials. The Eastern Gray squirrels are most variable, some appearing black or with a distinctive reddish cast to their gray coat. Each litter contains about three young. They nest in tree cavities or leaf nests constructed of dry leaves and sticks. Home ranges of gray squirrels vary with the season and availability of food, and can cover from 1 to I00 acres.
Squirrels can migrate great distances when overpopulation occurs.
The biology of the red squirrel is similar, except that there is only one breeding season per year. Both gray and red squirrels are active during the day. Squirrel damage in gardens is difficult to control, and squirrels removed are quickly replaced by new arrivals. Make sure edges are buried several inches into the soil. Next Page Rutgers Cooperative Extension is an Equal Opportunity Employer.