Two species of squirrel found on the West Coast are the native Douglas Squirrel and the Grey Squirrel. The grey squirrel is the more common of the two species found locally in the Lower Mainland. In the early 20’s the grey squirrel first arrived at Stanley Park. The grey squirrel population remained relatively contained until the late 1980’s when they spread throughout the entire Lower Mainland due to relocation practices of many homeowners and pest control companies. Female squirrels can mate only twice a year, but males can mate at any time. Birth occurs six weeks after mating with litters between 1 and 7 offspring. The Grey Squirrel feeds every day, even in the winter. It does not hibernate and is unable to conserve enough energy to survive for long periods without food. It eats mainly tree bark and fungi in the winter and buds in the summer. In September it eats nuts and acorns. A hungry grey squirrel will also raid a bird’s nest for eggs, steal food from bird feeders and dig up plants.
Squirrel fact:
Front teeth continue to grow throughout its life, so they must continue to gnaw to wear them down.
Male squirrels can smell a female that is ready to mate.
Leap more than 20 feet.
A mother squirrel can be quite aggressive if she perceives danger or is separated from her babies. Squirrels are very swift and can move or attack quickly if threatened.
There can be 25 or more squirrels per square kilometre in urban areas with mature trees.