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Creating a Wild Backyard: Squirrels in
Maryland
Squirrel Species Common in Maryland
Four kinds of squirrels can be found in Maryland: red, gray, flying, and fox squirrels. The most common is the
gray squirrel, which lives almost anywhere that it can find open woodlands
(especially oak and hickory). Most gray squirrels are just that - gray. The
color is good camouflage and protects them from predators in the woods. However,
some gray squirrels are black, white or blonde. Red squirrels, also called pine
squirrels, are red, less common, and smaller than gray squirrels. Red squirrels
prefer evergreen trees and mainly live in Western Maryland. Flying squirrels are
rarely seen but only because they are nocturnal. They live in open stands of
shade trees. They can glide from one tree to another using extra folds of skin
between their front and hind legs.
There are two species of fox squirrels native to Maryland. The Delmarva fox squirrel is only found on the Eastern Shore and is an endangered species. The eastern fox squirrel is not endangered and is found along the Potomac River. Fox squirrels are stockier and heavier than their more acrobatic cousins and spend more time on the ground.
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| Squirrels can be fun to watch. Avid squirrel watchers erect mazes and obstacle courses with food as a reward at the
end. It is amazing how quickly the squirrels figure out how to get the food. Squirrels also like nest boxes for both sheltering young and for protection.
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Natural History
Squirrels will nest in natural den cavities within trees and in leaf nests. Frequently squirrels will have 2 - 3 den sites. Squirrels prefer to nest in areas of moderate to dense vegetation because it offers cover and concealment. Leaf nests are usually used for resting adults, while young are normally raised in tree cavities.
Squirrels mate in December and again in June producing 3-5 young every year. The young squirrels are born helpless and blind and don't open their eyes for 4-5 weeks. However, by 11 months they are ready to have babies of their own.
The most important part of a gray squirrel's habitat is trees, which supply hard fruits such as acorns, beechnuts, and hickory nuts. Squirrels will eat almost anything: nuts, fruits, seeds, fungi, insects, plant buds, flower parts, bark, roots, and even people food. A variety of trees and food are essential for good squirrel habitat.
Attracting squirrels can be as simple as erecting feeders and nest boxes. However, planting trees that produce nuts can supply natural nest sites as well as food. Squirrels do not necessarily need an open water source. They receive most of their water from dew and the plant material they eat.
Pesky Squirrels
A word of warning! Having squirrels around means you must secure any possible entrances to your attic. Squirrels like to use attic insulation for nesting material and may even take up residence there. Scattering mothballs will discourage them, but the best solution is eliminating any way they may enter the attic. Squirrels also like plant bulbs.
Planting daffodils among your bulbs will sometimes keep them from dining on the bulbs in your gardens. Liberally applying blood meal and dried red pepper seeds to your flowerbed may also help keep squirrels out. Squirrels are also notorious for raiding bird feeders and can consume large amounts of corn and other nuts and seeds.
Providing additional feeders for the squirrels may distract them from the bird feeders. Sheet metal can be placed around the base of the feeder. However, squirrels are quite ingenious at thwarting all attempts to keep them away. Also see: Living With Squirrels
Nest Boxes and Feeders
Tips
for Nest Boxes
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Use
treated wood or cedar to prevent the box from rotting.
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Don't
paint the box and hang the box 10 + feet above the ground on the trunk of a
tree.
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The
entrance hole should be 3" x 3".
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A
4-inch long piece of 2" x 2" can be nailed horizontally inside the
nest boxes to give the squirrels a perch to stand on to peer out the opening.
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Nest
boxes should be placed 10 to 15 feet above the ground and on trees at least
10" in diameter.
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You
can place 2 or more nest boxes per acre.
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To
make the nest box enticing, fill it half full of dry leaves.
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Nest
boxes should be set out in the fall since they are heavily used during the
winter.
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The
entrance should be facing either east or south.
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It is
not necessary to clean the nest boxes.
Squirrel Nest Box Plans
For Additional Information,
Contact:
Wild Acres Program
Maryland Wildlife and Heritage Service
Attn: Marilyn Mause
Gwynnbrook WMA
3740 Gwynnbrook Ave
Owings Mills MD 21117
410-356-0941
E-Mail:
customerservice@dnr.state.md.us
Invite Wildlife to Your Backyard...
Photo of Gray Squirrel
Courtesy of John White |
