Where to Find the Squirrel in Cities 
There are several ways to spot a squirrel, including observing its habits and behaviors, and keeping a distance. However, if the squirrel is injured, you should leave it alone and call 311. Young animals usually look abandoned, but they often have their parents nearby. If you see a squirrel in the city, report it to 311.
Table of Contents
Black squirrels
If you’re wondering where to find black squirrels in cities, you’re not alone. These beautiful creatures can be found throughout the world, but their presence in urban areas is particularly unusual. Several factors may have contributed to the occurrence of black squirrels in urban areas. For example, urbanization may have increased the proportion of black squirrels compared to rural areas, and tall buildings mimic the darker habitats of the early continent.
One possible explanation for their increasing frequency in urban areas is the increased prevalence of road mortality. Squirrels may find it easier to avoid human predators in urban habitats, because they are more visible. The black morph may have adapted to life in urban areas because they are more easily spotted by humans. The researchers hypothesized that road mortality is a stronger selective pressure in urban environments than in rural areas.
Eastern gray squirrels
A history professor at York University has studied the importation of eastern gray squirrels into Canada. He discovered that the animals were common enough to support businesses. They were also supplied on a continental level. For example, he dug up records from the Vancouver Park Board, which confirmed that they had bought eastern grays from a Pennsylvania company. However, this was not the only example of how the squirrels were being imported. A similar example is found in Italy.
Adult males of the eastern gray squirrel reach their breeding age at nine to 11 months. Females are about six to eight months old when they mate. Mating occurs twice a year; males typically chase females. Gestation lasts for forty-five days. Once the female has reached sexual maturity, she leaves her home territory and goes out to forage. This male mate will raise a litter of one to three young each year.
Flying squirrels
The presence of urban habitat has altered flying squirrels’ nightly movements. They tended to move farther and faster, but distances between their nest sites remained relatively constant. In addition, their frequency of nest switching decreased as urban habitat increased. These observations suggest that urban habitat was not an important resource for flying squirrels. Further, this study has implications for conservation efforts. For instance, urban habitat might provide a better food source than a forest.
For the study, researchers classified habitat in the study area by using aerial photographs. The flying squirrel prefers forests with mixed species composition and spruce dominance. Aside from spruce trees, they also prefer a variety of deciduous trees, such as Populus tremula and Alnus incana. Those areas, however, may be unsuitable for flying squirrels. Flying squirrels also change their nests frequently within their home ranges.
Alpine marmots
If you’re looking for an exotic animal to spot, an Alpine marmot may be right for you. These adorable creatures live in the Swiss Alps and are found in groups of about 20 individuals. They live in burrows with eight to ten foot tunnels leading to the den, where the entire family hibernates during the colder months. They’re not aggressive toward humans, but they will become hostile if you approach them without their protection.
You can spot them by their high-pitched whistles, which are very characteristic of the species. They also communicate with each other through visual and auditory signals. This makes them shy, but curious, too. Alpine marmots are primarily monogamous, but they are often seen in large family groups. Their greatest threat is humans, who kill 6,000 of them each year in Austria as trophies.
Tree-squirrels
The role of road mortality in the distribution of tree-squirrels is uncertain. Although tree-squirrels inhabiting cities are more likely to have a melanic color, this coloration may be a secondary factor. In cities, vehicular collisions are the primary cause of mortality for these animals. Because they are more visible to vehicle drivers, a melanic coloration may be beneficial to their survival in areas of high traffic. Pollution and parasite pressure also contribute to the maintenance of the melanism of urban tree-squirrels.
While tree-squirrels spend considerable time on the ground, they prefer living in trees. Washington is home to four native tree squirrel species and two introduced ones. The tree-squirrels typically live on an area of 50 acres or more. The Eastern fox squirrel is also a common sight in suburban yards. A tree-squirrel’s nesting area can be as small as half an acre.
How do squirrels generally find food in cities?
Squirrels in cities generally find food by raiding garbage cans eating from bird feeders and foraging in parks and gardens.
What do squirrels eat?
Squirrels are mostly herbivores and their diet consists of nuts seeds fruits buds and bark.
However they will also eat small animals eggs and insects on occasion.
Where do squirrels live in cities?
Squirrels in cities often live in trees attics and sheds.
They will also build nests out of leaves and twigs in these areas.
How do squirrels get around in cities?
Squirrels in cities often travel by running along power lines fences and tree branches.
What is the average life span of a squirrel?
The average life span of a squirrel is 5 to 10 years in the wild.
However squirrels in captivity often live up to 20 years.
What is the biggest threat to squirrels in cities?
The biggest threat to squirrels in cities is humans.
People often kill squirrels because they see them as pests.
They also destroy their habitat by cutting down trees and building houses and roads.
How can people help squirrels in cities?
People can help squirrels in cities by providing them with food and water and by creating safe places for them to live.
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.
