Disappearance of gray squirrels

[Sean Smith]

Slightly off topic but related, to anyone who’s had to deal with their ingenuity at feeder-busting:   since the heavy torrential rain we had a couple weeks ago I’m seeing only one gray squirrel (a subadult)  in a one mile vicinity of my home where prior to the rainstorm they were everywhere.   It looks like the population is down by 95-98% and it seems to have happened overnight.   Anyone else notice any similar drops in gray squirrel numbers?

 

Sean Smith

Bangor

[Sean Hatch]

I also have noticed a massive drop off. But I should also mention I've been using a havaheart trap and have relocated 5 Grey's 4 Reds and 7 chipmonks. Soooo nice to have my birds back!!

[Sean Smith]

 

 

From: Sean Smith

Sent: Thursday, July 28, 2016 1:25 PM

To: David Thomson

Subject: Re: [Maine-birds] Disappearance of gray squirrels

 

I’m wondering if there was a weather-related catastrophe resulting in them drowning in their nests.   For the past several years there have been “regulars” who show up to get peanuts almost on a daily basis, extreme weather precluding.      And normally they’re running around everywhere, crossing roads, etc.     They know where to find food (my house) so if they were just hungry they’d be here... none in almost 2 weeks.

 

I’m assuming their babies are raised in relation to food cycles which peak in autumn.    Hopefully they’re just laying low...

 

Sean Smith

 

From: David Thomson

Sent: Thursday, July 28, 2016 1:00 PM

To: Sean Smith

Subject: Re: [Maine-birds] Disappearance of gray squirrels

 

Yes--in west Falmouth. However I live on a golf course, and the breeding #s of red tailed hawks is way up from last year: one brood has 3 fledglings that sit and scream all day, so I attribute some of the decline to the hawks. Do you think the downpour has any relation to squirrel declines, and why?. Dave Thomson Falmouth ME

 

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[Susan Guare]

I have fewer right now but something finished off my suet in the night, and it wasn't a bear.  It could have been a raccoon; the cat was going nuts.