How to Tell the Difference Between Male and Female Gray Squirrels 
How to distinguish male and female gray squirrels can be a difficult task for a novice, but there are some ways to tell the difference. Color, size, and behavior are just a few of the key differences between male and female gray squirrels. Read on to discover more about these critters. They can also be distinguished by their behaviors and vocalizations. Below are some examples to help you distinguish between them.
Table of Contents
Color
If you have ever wondered how to tell the difference between a male and female gray squirrel, then you have come to the right place. Eastern grey squirrels use a variety of postures and vocalizations to communicate with each other. Their keen sense of smell helps them detect their neighbors’ reproductive health and stress levels. You can also identify a female grey squirrel by the different markings on its tail.
Grey squirrels typically breed two to three times a year in late winter and early spring. In each litter, the female gives birth to one to four young. Only one of these young will survive past a year. At about 12 weeks old, the young gray squirrels leave the nest and begin exploring the environment around them. They will eventually rejoin their mother outside. The male does not participate in raising the young.
Size
There are a few key differences between the male and female gray squirrel, including the size of the testes and the distance between the genital openings. Eastern Gray Squirrels are the state’s official squirrel. Their long tail and bushy appearance help them balance when they dash between trees. Their fore and hindprints measure about two and a half inches long. They weigh between 3/4 and one and a half pounds and grow to about 20 inches in length. They’re often found in the forests around Seattle, Washington, and Vancouver, British Columbia.
The male and female gray squirrel can reach sexual maturity at around six months of age, and their lifespan is about 8 years. Females usually breed twice a year, while males can mate at any time. Males and females will attract each other with their loud calls in the treetop. The male will then gather, attempting to determine which animal is dominant. Once a female is attracted to a male, she begins to race through the trees and stop when she’s ready for him to mate.
Behavior
To learn the differences in male and female gray squirrel behavior, first you need to understand the mating rituals of this species. The eastern gray squirrel is a social animal that mates twice a year, in January and June. The mating period lasts for approximately three weeks. Only females over two years of age breed in these two seasons. In the mating ritual, males chase the female in the treetops and gather to determine which is the dominant animal. The female then stops in the middle of the tree when the dominant male is ready to mate.
In the spring and summer, female squirrels are more active, while males remain sedentary. When females have young, they spend most of their time nursing and caring for their offspring. They will typically move out of their nest once the babies leave it. While males are not very interested in children, females are dedicated parents who spend all of their time with their young. When their young leave the nest, they are equally happy.
Communication
Communication between male and female gray squirrels may be important for their reproductive health and wellbeing. While the exact mechanisms of communication between male and female gray squirrels are not yet known, they seem to share similar behaviors. These squirrels often mark each other’s bodies with scent to convey information about their sex, reproductive status, and social status. Scent marks from females’ home ranges are also believed to give the male an idea of a female’s oestrus status. Females squirt urine and scent mark more frequently during breeding season, so there could be some underlying mechanism in the communication between males and females.
In addition to vocalization, gray squirrels may use certain posturing techniques to attract the attention of a dominant male. They may display submissive posturing during nesting to ward off rivals. They may also roll onto their sides and engage in a submissive posture. While these behaviors may be involuntary, they do seem to encourage other squirrels to assist their young. While some studies show that female gray squirrels prefer males that are not aggressive, there is a possible evolutionary explanation for their contrasting behavior.
What is the average weight of a female gray squirrel?
The average weight of a female gray squirrel is 10 to 12 ounces.
What is the average weight of a male gray squirrel?
The average weight of a male gray squirrel is 12 to 16 ounces.
What is the average length of a female gray squirrel?
The average length of a female gray squirrel is 16 to 20 inches.
What is the average length of a male gray squirrel?
The average length of a male gray squirrel is 18 to 22 inches.
What is the average lifespan of a female gray squirrel?
The average lifespan of a female gray squirrel is 6 to 10 years.
What is the average lifespan of a male gray squirrel?
The average lifespan of a male gray squirrel is 4 to 6 years.
What is the average number of offspring for a female gray squirrel?
The average number of offspring for a female gray squirrel is 2 to 3.
What is the average number of offspring for a male gray squirrel?
The average number of offspring for a male gray squirrel is 0 to 1.
What is the average gestation period for a female gray squirrel?
The average gestation period for a female gray squirrel is 38 to 39 days.
What is the average gestation period for a male gray squirrel?
The average gestation period for a male gray squirrel is 40 to 42 days.
What is the average litter size for a female gray squirrel?
The average litter size for a female gray squirrel is 2 to 6.
What is the average litter size for a male gray squirrel?
The average litter size for a male gray squirrel is 0 to 1.
What is the average weight of an adult gray squirrel?
The average weight of an adult gray squirrel is 10 to 16 ounces.
What is the average length of an adult gray squirrel?
The average length of an adult gray squirrel is 16 to 22 inches.
What is the average lifespan of an adult gray squirrel?
The average lifespan of an adult gray squirrel is 4 to 10 years.
Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.
