Several
different species of squirrels live in North America. Because all squirrels are
mammals, their reproduction behaviors are somewhat similar, but issues of
gestation, litter size and mating can vary from species to species. To
understand the similarities and differences between squirrel species, we can
compare several of their gestation and mating habits. These species include
fox, flying, red, gray, and ground squirrels.
Along the eastern coasts of North America and Canada, the gray
squirrel's mating ritual shares some similarities to that of the red squirrel.
When a female is nearing her period of fertility, a group of up to 10 males
will begin chasing her. Usually, the most dominant of the males will end up
earning the right to mate with her after a brief period of courtship. These
breeding periods occur twice each year, usually in the middle of summer and
again near the end of winter. After successful mating occurs, gestation lasts
about 44 days. Gray squirrel litters can include up to nine babies, but the
average litter includes only two or three.
It looks as though we will not be moving the truck until sometime in March.
Deeds, Actions, Changes, SQUIRREL NESTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!
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