Blog Post #8 Western Gray Squirrels

     Western Gray Squirrels (Sciurus griseus) is a state threatened species in Washington state. In the past, the squirrels were distributed in larger areas compared to current day records in which they remain in three distanced areas. The areas they live in are North Cascades, Klickitat County and South Puget Trough. Their numbers were estimated to be less that 1500 during 1994-2005. There's has not been completed research on the population since then, but it is assumed that they have grown in number greatly while also being worried that they have stayed the same.

     These tree squirrels live in forested areas and stay away from clearings. They live off of nuts, seeds, truffles, vegetation, and fruit. The solitary animals like to nest inside hollow portions of trees when available or create a stick nest using sticks and moss. Sexual maturity occures at around 11 months of age and mating season prolongs from mid winter through mid early summer.

     During a squirrel's lifetime on this horridly beautiful planet, Earth, it may come upon many dangers that attempt at its life. The main threats to these animals are predatorial beasts like coyotes, diseases like mange, average vehicle owners like the reader, and forest fires linked to climate change. All of these threats come from the root cause of habitat loss. Because of the habitat loss, the species is in a more vulnerable state of potentially having a continued decline in population.

     An effort to protect the Western Gray Squirrels' populations was made and completed in 2008. Because of the recovery plan, the populations made a significant spike. Similar projects have not been completed or started as of late (in my current findings). Research projects for the squirrels in Washington have not been finished either in the last few years.

     I'm not entirely sure why I picked this species to review and report. I think it's becase I'm used to seeing squirrels in Washington (specially on campus near Mill Creek) to the point that it stuck to me. I was suprised to learn that there are multiple native spieces of squirrels in Washington (western gray being the largest) and that the one I chose had its population limited to three areas which is kind of sad.


Image: http://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/research/projects/western_gray_squirrel/


~ esp