Exploring Squirrels in Ohio Their Behavior, Seasons, Hunting and More
Ohio’s diverse landscapes and changing seasons are home to various wildlife species, including various squirrels.
These agile creatures are a common sight, from bustling urban areas to quiet forests.
Here we explore squirrels in Ohio, the different squirrel species, their mating and breeding behaviors, hibernation patterns, the hunting season, and how Green Valley Wildlife Solutions can assist with squirrel removal and control.
Squirrels in Ohio: Species
Ohio is home to several squirrel species, each with its characteristics.
Eastern Gray Squirrel
The Eastern Gray Squirrel is the most recognizable, with its gray fur and bushy tail.
Fox Squirrel
The Fox Squirrel boasts a rusty-colored coat and is known for its larger size.
Red Squirrel
The diminutive Red Squirrel has vibrant red fur and can often be seen darting through the trees.
Flying Squirrel
Last, the Southern Flying Squirrel, though less frequently spotted due to its nocturnal habits, is a fascinating gliding species in the state.
Squirrels in Ohio: Mating and Breeding
Squirrel mating and breeding seasons vary by species and are typically influenced by environmental factors such as food availability and temperature. Generally, squirrels mate in late winter to early spring. Males engage in competitive behaviors to win the favor of females.
After a successful courtship, females give birth to litters of young squirrels, known as kits or pups. Depending on the species, these litters usually range from 2 to 8 offspring.
Hibernation
While squirrels don’t truly hibernate, they do undergo periods of reduced activity during the colder months. Some squirrel species are more active during winter, while others are relatively inactive.
Eastern Gray and Fox Squirrels remain active throughout the year, foraging for food even in winter. However, Red Squirrels and Southern Flying Squirrels tend to reduce their activity levels and may rely on food stores and insulated nests to survive the winter months.
What Do Squirrels in Ohio Eat?
Squirrels are highly adaptable rodents with a diverse and flexible diet that varies based on the available food sources within their habitats. Their diet primarily consists of nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetation. Acorns, walnuts, and other tree nuts are staple foods for many squirrel species, providing them with essential fats and energy.
They also consume various seeds from various plants, including pine cones and sunflower seeds. In addition to nuts and seeds, squirrels have a sweet tooth for fruits like berries, apples, and pears, especially during the warmer months.
Their omnivorous tendencies also lead them to consume insects, eggs, and fungi when possible. This adaptable feeding behavior allows squirrels to thrive in diverse environments, making them resourceful foragers in urban and natural settings.
Squirrel Hunting Season in Ohio
In Ohio, hunting seasons for squirrels are regulated to manage populations and ensure sustainable wildlife management. The squirrel hunting season typically opens in early September, on September 1st and extends into late January, January 31st. This provides hunters ample opportunities to enjoy the outdoors while participating in responsible wildlife management practices.
Green Valley Wildlife Solutions
For those facing squirrel-related issues in Ohio, such as property damage or overpopulation concerns, Green Valley Wildlife Solutions offers professional squirrel removal and control services. With expertise in humane wildlife management, the trained professionals know the behaviors and habits of squirrels, allowing them to safely and effectively relocate these animals away from residential areas.
Green Valley Wildlife Solutions takes a holistic approach to wildlife management, considering the ecological balance and the safety of both humans and animals. By utilizing humane trapping and exclusion techniques, Green Valley Wildlife Solutions offers efficient solutions to squirrel-related problems without causing harm to these creatures. The services maintain a harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife in Ohio’s diverse ecosystems.
Squirrels are part of Ohio’s wildlife landscape, exhibiting various behaviors from mating and breeding to hibernation and foraging. The hunting season provides an opportunity for responsible wildlife management.
Contact for Professional Removal and Control Services
In situations where squirrel presence poses challenges, Green Valley Wildlife Solutions offers professional removal and control services that prioritize both human needs and the well-being of these furry inhabitants.
By embracing a balanced approach to wildlife management, Ohioans can continue to enjoy their state’s natural beauty while ensuring its ecosystems’ preservation.
