Eastern Grey Squirrel
Eastern gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) are medium sized squirrels with grizzled dark to pale gray backs and may be tinted with reddish coloration on their hips, feet and head. The tail and stomach are white to pale gray. In the north, they grow heavy fur during winter. Generally, there is no difference between males and females in size or coloration.
Eastern gray squirrels have two breeding seasons per year. Most breeding occurs in December – February and May – June. Females can have two litters per year, one from each breeding season. Average litter sizes range from 2 to 3 individuals with the winter litter being generally smaller than the summer litter. Both sexes remain reproductively active throughout their entire lives. The squirrel can easily adapt to any situation that confronts them. The secret to their survival is how quickly they adapt to the neighborhood. If there is no food available, the squirrel will travel for miles to find it then set up his home nearby. Their nest which is called a “drey”, is usually built high up in the trees. If no trees are available, the squirrel will build in the next best thing, your Texas attic.
Fox Squirrels
Fox Squirrels are one of the largest squirrels, weighing close to 3 pounds. The Fox Squirrel is often yellow pale or rusty orange in color. Fox Squirrels are the clumsiest squirrel. The breeding season for a Fox Squirrel is almost identical to that of a grey squirrel. The season begins in January, continues through late winter and into early spring.
Southern Flying Squirrels
Southern Flying Squirrels are the smallest tree squirrels. This squirrel is much smaller than its cousins, the Grey squirrel and the Fox squirrel. The Southern Flying Squirrel is a very unique looking squirrel and is often mistaken as a chipmunk. One very odd thing about a Southern flying squirrel is they are nocturnal, meaning they travel at night. They have a similar diet to other squirrels but will also eat insects and have also been known to eat the meat from dead animals. Flying Squirrels become a nuisance when they make their home in your attic. Since they are nocturnal, they become very disturbing while playing and running when you are trying to sleep.