Same Continent, Different Personalities
Step outside almost anywhere in Canada or the northern United States and you’ll see a squirrel—maybe two—but look closer and you’ll notice they come in distinct "flavours." North American red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) and eastern grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) share trees and backyards yet live surprisingly different lives.
Quick Field Guide
| Trait | Red Squirrel | Grey Squirrel |
|---|---|---|
| Average length | 28 cm (11 in) | 45 cm (18 in) |
| Typical weight | 200 g | 500 g |
| Tail colour | Rust‑red with black edge | Grey with white fringe |
| Favourite food | Conifer seeds (spruce, pine) | Acorns, walnuts, city pizza crusts |
| Temperament | Territorial, chatty, bold | Laid‑back, opportunistic |
Why Reds Stay Feisty
Red squirrels guard cone caches like tiny dragon hoards. Their high‑pitched chatter is a warning to other reds (and you) to back off. They even chew off fungal “mushrooms on a clothesline” and dry them on branches for winter snacks.
Why Greys Seem Chill
Greys wander larger home ranges and stash food all over—think diversified acorn portfolios. In cities they adapt quickly: your attic, your bird feeder, your bagel.
Studio Stories Behind Two Squirrel Prints
Brigette With a Bagel — The Third‑Floor Grey
A few months back a grey squirrel dropped a half‑eaten bagel on my third‑floor window ledge. Curiosity turned into a running studio legend: we set up a little "bagel cam" to see if she’d return, and she—or possibly they—did. A colleague of mine dubbed the visitor Brigette and the name stuck. Now I leave a snack, she shows up, and the camera keeps rolling. The print captures that rooftop‑raider moment, sesame crumbs and all.
Titi the Squirrel — The Nova Scotia Red
My sister in Nova Scotia (@bleumariepottery) has a red squirrel—or perhaps a rotating roster—that drops by her yard every day. She calls him Titi, a playful nickname fitting his tiny frame and oversized attitude. I met Titi in person while visiting, sketching him on the spot—bright eyes, flame‑red tail, and that “you talking to me?” stance.