The Gray Squirrel
(Sciurus carolinensis)

Life Cycle
There are two peaks of breeding activity per year, one in January and the other in May and June. During the breeding periods, several males may pursue a female up and down branches and from tree to tree in what is called a "mating chase." After a gestation of 40 - 45 days, the female gives birth to an average of 2 - 4 young. Young are born naked and toothless, with eyes and ears closed. When they are weaned at 2 months of age, the young are one-half the adult size. They remain with the female as a family group for about 4 - 5 months.

Northern Flying
(Squirrel Glaucomys sabrinus)

Life Cycle
Most flying squirrels probably breed for the first time when they are about a year old. The breeding season varies with latitude, occurring from spring to fall in the north and from late summer to winter in the south. At any given locality, there are usually two peaks of breeding, reflecting the difference in the timing of the first breeding of earlier - and later - born females of the previous year. Nests are composed primarily of shredded yellow birch bark, moss, and grass and are usually in a tree cavity or a woodpecker hole. A nursing female was found near Walker Prong on August 22. At birth, young squirrels weigh about 5 to 6 g and are blind and hairless, except for vibrissae and short hairs on the chin and snout. The ears, which are folded over and sealed at birth, become erect between two and six days of age, and by seven days hair is visible over most of the body. The eyes open at about 31 to 32 days of age, by which time the young are fully furred and their locomotion and coordination are well developed. Weaning occurs at about 60 days. When they are about 12 weeks of age, the young begin a molt from the juvenile to the first adult pelage. At this age they are usually still associated with their mother and may stay with her until she has another litter. Families frequently remain together over winter.

They are cute but the damage they can do is not!
They are much more cute on the outside of your home!