Conservation

The gray squirrel in the Hamilton-Wentworth area is not at this moment in danger of diminishing populations. They live a fairly quiet lifestyle with little worry of being eradicated. However, they still in turn must be aware of predators with in their environment. The gray squirrel is susceptible to predation from foxes, hawks, dogs, and of course from other squirrels, as the gray squirrel is known to resort to cannibalism. The other predator that must be accounted for is humans, as they are responsible for a high number of squirrel deaths.

            This can be accounted for through the industrious nature of our civilization. The building of new sub-divisions, factories, farmlands, etc. expands into the domain of the squirrel making for smaller and fewer squirrel habitats. Humans also poison the squirrels through pollution consisting of environmental waste. The squirrel adapts well and is in no real danger of being endangered.

            The gray squirrel is also susceptible to hunting from humans as well. The squirrel is hunted for its coat and food value as hunters prize the gray squirrel because of its elusive nature. The squirrels excellent hearing and sight allow it to escape quickly and, as described in the personal observations, can quickly disappear on the unseen side of a tree. There are many websites devoted to the hunting techniques for success in squirrel hunting,

Here in Hamilton, Ontario, there are also habitats of squirrels that are being fought for because of the depletion of habitat. Namely the Red Hill Creek Valley. With plans for a road and history of hazardous waste dumping, the squirrels and other animal life are threatened to lose their home environment. It is also noted that the Red Hill Creek Valley is home to white-tailed deer, beaver, coyote, red fox and the flying squirrel. In fact, the flying squirrel is in short number. As more information comes available, further implication of not conserving this area can be noted. So as we can see, conservation of squirrel population is necessary not just for the gray squirrel but for other species as well.

Another problem with the conservation of squirrels is that they are not typically tolerated in rural settings, as the squirrel is responsible for a lot of damage done to houses. Often they chew there way into human homes where they can do a lot of damage, especially if they have litters. Trapping works to rid houses of the squirrel but homeowners often turn to poisoning as well which in turn can lead to destruction of other animals.

Though it is thought that the gray squirrel need not worry about conservation of its numbers as a whole, an emphasis needs to be placed on conservation for all.

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Home I Map of Observation Locales I General Characteristics I Habits I Reproduction and Mating I Social Aspects

Conservation I Personal Observations I Pictures I Sounds of the Squirrel I References I Sites of Interest