Eastern gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) can be found throughout the eastern United States and are one of the most common squirrels in Maryland. As their name suggests, gray squirrels are commonly gray/brown in color with white or light gray bellies although there is also a melanistic variant of the same species which is almost entirely black. These rodents have a bushy tail that acts as a rudder when jumping from high places, provides warmth in the winter, and can be used to distract predators like hawks, owls, and snakes. While know for their penchant for foraging and burying caches of nuts like acorns, walnuts, and hazelnuts, squirrels are omnivorous and prey on insects, small birds, eggs, frogs, lizards, and even other rodents.

–Carly Davis