There are a variety of squirrel species in the greater Portland Oregon area. The common squirrels that cause the most conflicts with humans include the Western Grey Squirrel, the Eastern Grey Squirrel, the Douglas' Squirrel, the Northern Flying Squirrel, the California Ground Squirrel, and the Golden Mantled Ground Squirrel.

The Squirrel family isn't limited to just the tree, ground and flying squirrels, it also includes some chipmunks, woodchucks, marmots and prairie dogs.

Squirrels have 4 incisors in the front of their mouths that they use to gnaw, shred, and break into all sorts of things (wood, egg shells, nuts, berries, seeds, metals, etc). They have four toes on their front feet and five toes on their hind feet. All of the toes have well formed nails for digging and climbing.

Most squirrels are diurnal and active in the early day and late afternoon/evening, taking a siesta during the mid-day hours.

Species In and Around Portland, Oregon:

Tree Squirrels - Tree squirrels, the most familiar group to many, includes the gray squirrels, Douglas', and the flying squirrels. They have long bushy tails, athletic builds and a keen eye for predators. Tree squirrels make their nets high off the ground often in trees. They find attics to be well suited for living quarters: an attic is warm, dry, and safe from predators.

Flying Squirrels - The flying squirrel does not really fly but glides through the air from tree top to tree top using flaps of skin that extend from their wrists to their ankles. The flap enables them to get from place to place via air travel but does hinder their movement on the ground. It's bulky and prevents them from being able to run so they walk and hop when they are on the ground which doesn't happen often. Flying squirrels are