GC3XD5P Squirrels (Traditional Cache) in Kentucky, United States created by Mooseky

GC3XD5P ▼

A cache by Mooseky Message this owner

Hidden : 10/14/2012

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: small (small)

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Geocache Description:

There are 4 species of squirrel native to Kentucky. They are the Eastern Gray Squirrel, Eastern Fox Squirrel, American Red Squirrel, and the Southern Flying Squirrel. All but the American Red Squirrel (aka Pine Squirrel) are found in Bernheim Forest. The Eastern Gray Squirrel is found mostly east of the Mississippi River. It is the most common squirrel in Kentucky and the official mammal of Kentucky.
They average 8 to 10 inches in body length and are usually gray to brown with white undersides. On occasion black and white (albino) gray squirrels can also be found. Gray squirrels spend more time in the trees than Fox squirrels do. They usually nest in trees cavities or Leaf and twig nest in crotches of trees and have up to 5 offspring twice a year. The Gray Squirrel normally only live 1 to 2 years but some have been known to live up to 10 years.	Eastern Gray Squirrel
The Eastern Fox Squirrel is the largest tree dwelling squirrel in the United States reaching lengths of 16 inches. They can be found in the Eastern and Central States as far west as Colorado, north to Southern Canada and south to Northern Mexico. They are however not found in most of the New England states.
Eastern Fox Squirrel	It is best known for its reddish tint bushy fox like tail but its color pattern varies by area found. In the Northeast its body is gray above with yellowish underside. In the South it has a black and white stripe on its face and a white tip on its tail. In the west it is gray above and rust colored on its underside. Fox squirrels are solitary animals spending most of their day eating, gathering, and storing food on the ground. They usually nest in hollow trees and have two to four offspring twice a year.
The Southern Flying Squirrel can have olive to gray fur with a white underbelly and are smaller than other tree squirrels with an average body length of about 5 inches. Unlike other types of tree squirrels they have an extra flap of skin that connects the front and back legs that allow them to fly. They do not actually fly but jump from treetops and glide to the ground or to other trees. They can glide as far as 100 feet from the tree they launched themselves from. Flying Squirrels are seldom seen since they are nocturnal. Their large eyes help them see at night. They are more social than Gary or Fox squirrels and often forage together at night and den together in the winter. They build their nests in cavities of trees, often time in nests that had been previously used by bird species. They will also build nests in fork of tree limbs, stumps, hollow logs, bird houses or even building attics.
Southern Flying Squirrel	Southern Flying Squirrel in Flight

The American Red Squirrel is typically smaller than other Kentucky tree squirrels but they can reach a body size of 8 inches long with a 7 inch tail. They prefer areas where conifers are plentiful. Their range in Kentucky is mostly in the Eastern Appalachian area. They are also called Pine Squirrels because they prefer to eat the cone seed of conifers. They also like mushrooms but being omnivores they have a varied diet. The red squirrel lives an average of about 3 years. They have one litter in the spring with 2 to 4 offspring.	American Red Squirrel
Interesting Squirrel Tidbit: Both Gray and Fox Squirrels both feed on acorns, which are rich in tannins. Tannins are poisonous to many animals, including parasitic worms. That’s why squirrels usually are not bothered with roundworms and tapeworms like other animals can be.

You are looking for camouflaged PB container hidden in the middle of a squirrel's playground.

This cache placement has been approved by Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest. For more information about Bernheim Arboretum And Research Forest including current operating hours. There is a $10 per car recommended admission donation for non-members to Bernheim Forest.