Squirrels of Michigan #1: Terrific Tree Squirrels

Do you go nuts for squirrels? Want to learn more about the cute creatures that play a key role in our ecosystem? If so, you’ve come to the right place!

This is the first installment of my new series Squirrels of Michigan, in which I’ll discuss the different types of squirrels that call our state home. According to the DNR, nine members of the Sciuridae (squirrel) family inhabit Michigan, and they can be divided into a few categories based on their defining characteristics. I’ll focus on one of these categories per edition.

This week is all about tree squirrels. When you think of a squirrel, tree squirrels are probably what comes to mind first. Frequently spotted all over Grand Rapids, they’re small, agile rodents with huge fluffy tails. Aptly named, they shelter in trees, as opposed to the burrows or ground lodgings that some other squirrels prefer.

Michigan happens to be home to not one, not two, but three species of tree squirrels! While all three species share similar mannerisms and habitats, there are some key differences between them.

The Eastern Fox Squirrel

Seeman, Corey. (2018). https://www.flickr.com/photos/cseeman/31228849887

Ranging from 20 to 26 inches in length (including tail), the eastern fox squirrel, or Sciurus Niger, is the largest of the three tree squirrels in Michigan. It typically has a gray body with a distinctive tawny stomach.

Eastern fox squirrels can live in deciduous or mixed forests, but generally prefer forests with a wide variety of tree species. They’re found in eastern and central parts of the United States, as well as in northern Mexico and southern Canada. Within Michigan, fox squirrels are the most common in the southern part of the Lower Peninsula.

The Eastern Gray Squirrel

Hunt, James. (n.d). https://www.tn.gov/twra/wildlife/mammals/medium/eastern-gray-squirrel.html

The eastern gray squirrel, or Sciurus carolinensis, looks very similar to the eastern fox squirrel. However, there are a few key differences to telling them apart. The eastern gray squirrel is slightly smaller and more slender, ranging from 16 to 20 inches long (including tail) on average. Their coloring is also slightly dissimilar. While they both have gray bodies, the gray squirrel is slightly more silvery, and its underbelly is usually white.

Eastern gray squirrels prefer mature woodlands with lots of underbrush density. They’re found in the eastern United States and Canada. Within Michigan, it’s most common to see them in the northern part of the Lower Peninsula.

The Red Squirrel

Seeman, Corey. (2015). https://www.flickr.com/photos/cseeman/18611951308

The red squirrel, or Tamiasciurus hudsonicus, is the smallest of the Michigan squirrels. It ranges from only 11 to 13 inches in length. Despite its size, it’s just as, if not more territorial than its counterparts (from what I’ve observed, I don’t think red squirrels know fear). It has a deep red body with a white underside, and its tail is flatter than the other two species.

Red squirrels prefer coniferous forests, but can thrive in most places with some hardwoods present. They’re found in the eastern part of the United States, and their range extends into southern Canada and northern Mexico.

Extra Facts!

Have you ever seen a black squirrel? They’re not a different species, just a less common color morph of fox or gray squirrels.
Similarly to beavers and other rodents, squirrels have four continuously growing front teeth.
Squirrels store thousands of seeds and nuts in a single season to prepare for winter.
They forget the majority of the seeds and nuts they cache. This may seem bad, but the process plays a crucial role in seed dispersal and fostering regeneration!

Sources

NAVA TABATA

Editor at The City Voice

Nava is currently a senior at City. She has been writing for The City Voice since her sophomore year and now serves as an editor. Although she enjoys covering a wide range of subjects, her favorite topics to write about are history and ecology. Outside of the newspaper, you can usually find her playing violin in City’s pit orchestra, volunteering at her local library, or going on walks to observe the antics of her neighborhood squirrels.