In northern regions, the ears become heavily furred and the foot soles densely haired in the winter. The fall molt begins in September on the flanks and progresses toward the head, producing a denser and more silvery winter coat. The spring molt, which begins on the head and progresses toward the hindquarters, produces a more yellowish summer coat by late spring. Like Red Squirrels, Gray Squirrels undergo two molts per year, resulting in seasonal differences in appearance. The underparts are usually white, gray, or buffy cinnamon. The eyes appear prominent, thanks to buffy brown or white eyerings. The short, rounded ears are buff, gray, or white, with no tuft. ![]() The Gray Squirrel's head, hips, and feet may be washed with cinnamon. The hair on the tail is long and wavy, banded with brown and black at the base and tipped with white. Gray Squirrels have grizzled dark to pale gray coloring and a large bushy tail, which curves over the back and serves as a blanket in cold weather and as a balance for climbing and maneuvering in the trees. Gray Squirrels in northern regions tend to be somewhat larger than those in the South. Gray Squirrels weigh between 1 and 1½ pounds. The head and body measure nine to 12 inches in length, with an additional eight to ten inches of tail, for a total length of around 18 to 20 inches. Gray Squirrels are medium-sized rodents, larger than both the Eastern Chipmunk and the Red Squirrel. Gray Squirrel ( Sciurus carolinensis) near Craig Wood Golf Course, Lake Placid (7 September 2020). Mammals of the Adirondacks: Gray Squirrels have grizzled dark to pale gray coloring and a large bushy tail.
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