Ontario, a province in Canada, is home to a rich variety of wildlife. Among these creatures, squirrels are a common sight. Inhabiting city parks, suburban yards, and forested wilderness, squirrels contribute significantly to Ontario’s biodiversity. This article aims to provide in-depth information about the types of squirrels in Ontario, focusing on their identification features, habitats, and behaviors.

Eastern Gray Squirrel

The Eastern Gray Squirrel is one of the most recognized types in Ontario. Its fur, often silver-gray, can sometimes be black or even white. They measure up to 50 cm, inclusive of their bushy tails, which account for almost half their length. These squirrels prefer to dwell in deciduous forests but have adapted well to urban settings.

Red Squirrel

Red Squirrels, known for their reddish-brown fur and white underparts, are substantially smaller than their gray counterparts. The distinguishing features of this squirrel include its sharply pointed ears, often bearing tufts of hair. Forest environments, particularly those dominated by coniferous trees, are the favored habitats of Red Squirrels in Ontario.

American Red Squirrel

American Red Squirrels are similar to Red Squirrels in appearance but are more widespread in North America. Their characteristics include white underbellies, reddish-brown bodies, and grayish-white eye rings. Like Red Squirrels, they are more commonly found in coniferous forests.

Northern Flying Squirrel

One of two flying squirrel types in Ontario, the Northern Flying Squirrel, is relatively smaller. Despite their name, these squirrels do not actually fly. They have a membrane stretching between their fore and hind limbs, allowing them to glide between trees. Their primary habitats are mixed coniferous-deciduous forests, with a preference for older, more mature woodlands.

Southern Flying Squirrel

The Southern Flying Squirrel is the other type of flying squirrel in Ontario. Slightly smaller than the Northern Flying Squirrel, these creatures also have a gliding membrane and eyes that appear large due to their nocturnal habits. Their habitats overlap with their Northern counterparts, although they are found in greater numbers in more southerly regions.

Different Seasons, Different Activities

Seasons immense impact squirrel activities in Ontario. During the mild spring and summer months, squirrels are active in the daylight hours, foraging for seeds, nuts, fruits, and other food sources. Prior to the harsh winter season, they store food supplies and often spend the cold months in nests that provide warmth and protection.

Misunderstandings About Squirrels

Squirrels in Ontario are often misunderstood. Their scavenging habits sometimes bring them into conflict with humans, especially in urban environments. However, it is essential to understand that these creatures play a vital role in seed dispersal, aiding in the propagation of many tree species.

Takeaways

The diversity of squirrels in Ontario highlights the region’s rich biodiversity. Understanding their unique traits, habits, and interactions with their environment can help us coexist harmoniously with these small, fascinating creatures.