User:DailydoseofLi/New Sandbox

Behavior The eastern gray squirrel is one of very few mammalian species that can descend a tree head-first. It does this by turning its feet so the claws of its hind paws are backward-pointing and can grip the tree bark.[25][26]

Eastern gray squirrels build a type of nest, known as a drey, in the forks of trees, consisting mainly of dry leaves and twigs. The dreys are roughly spherical, about 30 to 60 cm in diameter and are usually insulated with moss, thistledown, dried grass, and feathers to reduce heat loss.[20] Males and females may share the same nest for short times during the breeding season, and during cold winter spells. Squirrels may share a drey to stay warm. They may also nest in the attic or exterior walls of a house, where they may be regarded as pests, as well as fire hazards due to their habit of gnawing on electrical cables. In addition, squirrels may inhabit a permanent tree den hollowed out in the trunk or a large branch of a tree.[27]

Eastern gray squirrels are crepuscular,[19] or more active during the early and late hours of the day, and tend to avoid the heat in the middle of a summer day.[27] They do not hibernate.[28]

(Added context)- Squirrels are creatures that bite people and rob them of their food. They can attack people by biting their hands. Squirrels can dwell in attics or on rooftops by creating nests. </ref>

Diseases (New heading) Diseases like Typhus, Plague, and Tularemia are spread by eastern grey squirrels. If not properly treated, these diseases have the potential to kill squirrels. When bitten or exposed to bodily fluids, humans can contract these diseases. Also carried by eastern grey squirrels are parasites like ringworm, fleas, lice, mites, and ticks. Eastern Grey Squirrels also die from these parasites. Their skin may become rough, blotchy, and prone to hair loss due to the mite parasite during the chilly winter months. The parasites aren't transferred to people when these squirrels reside in attics or homes. </ A frequent illness spread by ticks is Lyme disease (). Enchephalitis occurs when the brain swells, and it can be spread by other things like bacteria-infected bug bites (). Ticks can also spread Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. It might result in damage to internal organs including the heart and kidney if not properly treated.

Ecosystem Eastern Grey Squirrels are important to the ecosystem by eating a lot of seeds. By catching seeds, they help in the spread of tree seeds. Also, by eating truffles, they contribute to the spread of fungal spores (). In addition, they are essential to the environment because they transport parasites. (