A large Pacific Coast tree squirrel. Endemic to specific California habitats.

Also called: Northern Gray Squirrel, Pacific Gray Squirrel

Native status: Native to Pacific Coast

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 28–35 cm; tail 22–28 cm
Weight400–700 g
LifespanWild 6–9 years
OrderRodentia
FamilySciuridae

§ Encyclopedia

The western gray squirrel is a tree squirrel found along the western coast of the United States and Mexico. In some places, this species has also been known as the silver-gray squirrel, the California gray squirrel, the Oregon gray squirrel, the Columbian gray squirrel and the banner-tail. There are three geographical subspecies: S. g. griseus ; S. g. nigripes ; and S. g. anthonyi.

Source: Wikipedia — Western gray squirrel Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Large gray squirrel with white belly; bushy white-edged tail; longer ears than eastern gray squirrel.

Similar species. Eastern Gray Squirrel (different range). Western Gray Squirrel (similar).

Voice. Chatters.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Acorns, nuts, fungi.

Behavior. Pacific Coast tree squirrel. Larger than gray squirrels of eastern US.

§ Range

Pacific Coast

§ Habitat

Oak woodlands

§ Threats

Habitat loss.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the northern gray squirrel is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support California oak woodland conservation.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • American Society of Mammalogists
  • IUCN Red List 2016