Psilos mammal photography

Native to North America this species was introduced into the UK in 1876. It is now very widespread and common. Its preferred habitat is mature deciduous woodland but it is also common in parks and gardens in towns and cities. Distinguished from the red squirrel by its larger size, silver grey fur, white underbelly and no tufts to the ears. It has a varied natural diet of nuts, fruits, fungi, shoots and flowers and in the summer will also raid birds nests and take eggs and young. This squirrel is diurnal feeding most actively at dawn and dusk. Unlike the red squirrel it spends alot more time foraging on the ground. The grey squirrel does not hibernate and it cannot store enough energy to survive for long periods without food. During the winter months it will build a stronger drey than in summer. It will stay there through the coldest weather and will only venture out to feed on food that is stashed in many different hidden stores.