North American gray squirrel

The North American gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is a common rodent native to eastern North America. These squirrels are characterized by their light gray to black fur and are known for their adaptability, having been introduced to Great Britain and South Africa. As part of the squirrel family (Sciuridae), they are tree squirrels, distinguished by their slender bodies, long limbs, and bushy tails. Squirrels, in general, are rodents whose name comes from the Greek for \"shade tail,\" referring to their prominent tails. They inhabit diverse ecological niches worldwide and are known for their agility in trees, aided by sharp claws and flexible ankle joints.12