Taxonomy and Types
Squirrels belong to the family Sciuridae, which includes tree squirrels, ground squirrels, chipmunks, marmots, flying squirrels, and prairie dogs. Within that family, you’ll most often run into three broad types:
- Tree squirrels: Agile climbers found in forests and cities alike — e.g. Eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) and red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris).
- Ground squirrels: Spend more time on or in the ground, building burrow systems — e.g. California ground squirrel and thirteen-lined ground squirrel.
- Flying squirrels: Actually gliders. Species like the Southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans) use a skin membrane (patagium) to glide between trees.
Physical Appearance
Squirrels are easy to spot thanks to a few classic features:
- Size and weight: Most are 15–30 cm (6–12 in) long, with a tail almost as long again. Weight is usually 250 g–1 kg (0.5–2.2 lb), depending on species.
- Fur and coloration: Gray, red, brown, even black — dense fur for insulation, especially in cooler climates.
- Tail: The big fluffy tail helps with balance, communication (tail flicking), and warmth.
Reproduction
Fast, reliable reproduction is one reason squirrels can become pests.
- Breeding season: Often twice a year — late winter and mid-summer, with regional variation.
- Gestation and birth: About 44 days; litters of 2–8, born blind and hairless, totally dependent on the mother.
- Development: Eyes open around 3 weeks; exploring by 7–8 weeks; usually independent by 12 weeks.
The Goodnature A18: Humane and Effective Management
When squirrel numbers start causing property damage or threatening native wildlife, control has to be effective and safe. The Goodnature A18 trap was designed for exactly that.
- Humane approach: Automatically resetting trap, designed to meet A-class humane standards; suitable around homes and in conservation areas.
- Advanced technology: CO₂-powered, delivering up to 18 strikes per canister — so you don’t have to keep resetting it.
- Efficient and safe: Toxin-free lures mean no secondary poisoning risk to pets, livestock, or scavenging wildlife; targeted design helps keep protected species safe.