Why Do Gray Squirrel Ears White in Winter?
Have you ever wondered why gray squirrels’ ears turn white in the winter? The answer is probably related to the diet they eat. Here are some common reasons for their white winter ears. If you notice the ears are white, the squirrel is eating a diet that contains lots of fats. In addition to fat, gray squirrels also eat fruits and vegetables. While this doesn’t mean they do not eat other kinds of food, it does mean that they are avoiding certain foods during the winter.
Eastern Grey Squirrel
You may notice that the ears of an Eastern Grey Squirrel turn white during the winter months. They eat a variety of different things, including seeds, nuts, and acorns. As winter approaches, they store food in various places, including their ears. While most of their food is stored close to the ground, some are hidden at a deeper level. They may even use tree holes or cavities as nests, so that they can protect themselves from extreme cold.
The reason for the white ears is not entirely understood, but gene mutations in the Squirrel’s coat color cause the animal to have either a pink or blue eye. True albinos are not widespread, and they are prone to falling, which can affect their mobility. A recent study in Olney, Illinois, linked cats to the decline of the albino population.
Body color
What makes gray squirrel ears white in winter? Squirrels have a fantastic sense of smell and eyesight, allowing them to avoid predators. This sense is aided by the white fur on the tips of their ears. Their fantastic sense of smell is also useful when looking for acorns that they buried last year. These factors all work together to make gray squirrels a unique and attractive species.
While the morphs may have different reasons for their colouration, their main difference is the geographic region they live in. Black morphs generally live in cooler climates while melanistic morphs are found mainly in northern areas. However, a study in 1989 showed that melanistic squirrels have lower body heat loss than their gray counterparts during cold. The findings support the “Cryptic Colouration Hypothesis” that suggests that the black morphs are more widespread in areas of cool annual temperature.
Habitat
In winter, you’ll find gray squirrels with white fur. This coloration is a sign of the species’ low activity levels. Normally, gray squirrels feed primarily on nuts, seeds, and berries. In the spring, these cute creatures feed on maple and flowering dogwood buds. However, they will also eat insects and bird eggs and store them for the winter. If you’ve noticed gray squirrels turning white during the winter, you might want to take them for a closer look!
While gray squirrels do not hibernate, they do depend on fat reserves and cached mast stores to survive the cold months. You can often see them during these months as long as temperatures do not drop below zero. The weather conditions must be warm enough for them to venture out into the cold and avoid rain and snow. However, the risk of a gray squirrel losing its fat insulation layer in winter is too high.
Diet
The eastern gray squirrel is an omnivore, meaning it eats both animal and plant material. While carnivores rely mainly on animal flesh, facultative carnivores supplement their diet with non-animal foods like seeds and nuts. In the winter, gray squirrels need plenty of water, which they can get from standing water sources, such as puddles or even small pools of water found in tree holes.
The diet of a gray squirrel helps to explain the color of their ears in winter. Gray squirrels live throughout the year, but breeding seasons occur in late spring and early summer. Mating is promiscuous. It takes 40 to 45 days to conceive a young, which are naked and helpless. During this time, young squirrels stay in the nest for up to 6 weeks and weigh around 200 grams. At six months of age, they are almost adult size and leave their mother’s territory.
Behavior
What makes the ears of a gray squirrel white in winter? While this phenomenon is a common sight, this is not the reason for gray squirrels hibernating. Instead, gray squirrels use fat reserves and cached mast stores to stay warm. As long as it is not too cold, raining, or snowing, you can see gray squirrels in winter. Although they are nocturnal, they may be seen near human dwellings and in gardens.
While it is possible to spot a gray squirrel by its appearance alone, it’s better to watch for a gray skunk in the winter. This animal is particularly elusive and can sometimes be seen peeking out from behind a tree or scolding people. Their ears and tail are white to light gray, and they may even hang upside down from tree limbs. The color of their ears and tails is dependent on the species.
What is the main reason gray squirrels’ ears turn white in winter?
The main reason gray squirrels’ ears turn white in winter is to help them better blend in with their snowy surroundings and avoid predators.
How long does it take for a gray squirrel’s ears to turn white?
It takes about two weeks for a gray squirrel’s ears to turn white.
What percentage of a gray squirrel’s body is white in winter?
About 60% of a gray squirrel’s body is white in winter.
What other parts of a gray squirrel’s body turn white in winter?
In addition to their ears gray squirrels’ tails also turn white in winter.
Do gray squirrels’ eyes change color in winter?
No gray squirrels’ eyes do not change color in winter.
What do gray squirrels eat in winter?
Gray squirrels eat a variety of things in winter including acorns nuts seeds and fruits.
How do gray squirrels stay warm in winter?
Gray squirrels stay warm in winter by nesting in trees and using their fur to insulate themselves.
Are gray squirrels active in winter?
Yes gray squirrels are active in winter.
They spend their time looking for food and mate.
How many babies do gray squirrels have?
Gray squirrels usually have two litters of babies per year each consisting of two to five offspring.
What is the lifespan of a gray squirrel?
The lifespan of a gray squirrel is about seven to 10 years.
Do all gray squirrels turn white in winter?
No not all gray squirrels turn white in winter.
Some gray squirrels particularly those in southern regions do not turn white at all.
Are there any other animals that turn white in winter?
Yes there are other animals that turn white in winter including weasels foxes and ermines.
Why don’t all animals turn white in winter?
Not all animals turn white in winter because it is not always advantageous for them to do so.
In some cases it may be more beneficial for an animal to remain its usual color.
What other camouflage methods do animals use?
In addition to turning white some animals use other methods to camouflage themselves such as changing their patterns or altering their behavior.
How does camouflage help animals?
Camouflage helps animals by making it more difficult for predators to spot them which increases their chances of survival.
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.
