Many people are not aware that the grey and black squirrels are in fact the exact same species of animal. The only difference is a genetic defect in black squirrels.

The grey squirrel, despite its name, isn’t actually grey but a combination of black, white and orange stripes. The animal has hormones in its pigment gene that regulate the development of the different colours as the animal grows. The squirrel starts off as black and a hormone stops the black fur from growing while another hormone switches on white and orange stripes. A genetic defect stops the black squirrel from developing the additional colours so that the animal has black fur throughout its life.

Black and grey squirrels interact freely and mate with each other and can be lumped in the same category when exploring their dominance over the red squirrel in Canada. Read More →

Squirrels have a very flexible diet and will eat almost anything you can think of. Their versatile eating habits have ensured their survival in the wild and in Canadian cities and urban areas. Although there are 22 different types of squirrel species in the country, there is a little distinction in terms of the food they eat. Read More →

Black squirrels are actually the Eastern Grey Squirrel. The difference in colour comes from a genetic anomaly that prevents their fur from turning grey. Most people agree that black squirrels seem to be dominating the wildlife scene in Toronto. Scientists theorize a few reasons why this might be the case although it is difficult to say conclusively why there are so many black squirrels in Toronto compared to their grey counterparts.   Read More →

Squirrels are cute, furry animals and it is difficult to imagine anyone wanting to eat them. Unfortunately, wild animals don’t follow the same rationale while hunting food so the squirrels have many natural predators in the wild including weasels, coyotes, foxes, wildcats and snakes.

Granted that squirrels have fewer predators in Toronto but the rodents still don’t relinquish their position on the food chain. Common squirrel predators in Toronto include: Read More →

Squirrels cause great damage to property but the most pressing concern is their habit of chewing through electrical wires. Exposed wires are a serious fire hazard, expose your children and pets to electrocution and may cause a blackout or short-circuit your electric.

Squirrels chew through wire insulation manly to sharpen their teeth, make the teeth stronger or to control the teeth’s growth-rate. Like most rodents, squirrel teeth grow quickly and out of control. The animal has to gnaw constantly to reduce the growth and to ‘trim’ the teeth. Read More →

Squirrel noises in the attic during all hours of the day and sometimes at night can be unsettling. These furry creatures also tear up insulation, chew on wires and support beams and wreak untold damage to your house. Squirrel feces and urine are also a health concern and may carry disease-causing organisms including leptospirosis and salmonella.

Begin your task outside by trimming tree branches so that the nearest is about six to eight feet from the house. You may need to relocate any fixtures within close proximity to the house that the squirrels can use to launch on to the roof. Read More →

Squirrels are agile, persistent and clever which makes keeping them off bird feeders a difficult task. Wildlife on your property is definitely a concern. Squirrels can destroy your yard, flowers and outdoor furniture. At the very least, they are competing with the birds for food. There are a few simple solutions to keeping the wildlife away from bird seed. Read More →