There are over 365 species of squirrels in seven families. They include the tree squirrel, ground squirrel, and flying squirrel, plus many squirrel-like mammals such as the gopher, ground hog, and prairie dog. It is the largest group of living mammals on Earth.
Across the United States, the squirrels that most often frequent backyards include: gray, brown, fox and red squirrels.
An adult squirrel normally lives alone. But will, in severe cold, share its nest with other squirrels to conserve body heat. Once the temperature rises, the guests will be on their way.
In the summer, squirrels are most active two to three hours after sunrise, and then they rest in the afternoon, resuming activity again two hours before sunset. A squirrel will retire to its nest well before dark and rarely leave the nest in the dark. In the winter, a squirrel will complete activities between dawn and midday, and remain around the nest until the next day.
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