Identification of urban habitat components which affect eastern gray squirrel abundance

Differences in eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) abundance were studied in five types of habitat in Springfield, MA, from July 1974 to December 1976. These data were compared with selected habitat variables to determine whether differences in those variables could quantify differences in squirrel abundance. Squirrel abundance ranged from 0.15 squirrel per ha in areas of high urbanization to 1.08 squirrel per ha in parks, college campuses, and cemeteries. Their abundance was not significantly different in three urban habitats. Squirrel abundance was significantly correlated with basal area, tree density, and number of oaks per ha. Pavement, building cover, and the distance to woodlots appeared to have a negative influence on squirrel activity. Height of trees and lawn cover apparently had little or no influence on squirrel abundance. A six-variable stepwise regression model explains 74% of the squirrel variation throughout Springfield.