Gray squirrels are found throughout Maryland in mixed hardwood forests as well as in suburban and urban areas. They prefer forests with nut producing trees such as oak and walnut. Gray squirrels will use old woodpecker holes or natural cavities as dens to live in and raise young. They will also build large nests composed of leaves and twigs. Gray squirrels have adjusted well to manmade changes to the landscape and are a familiar animal in neighborhoods and city parks.
Gray squirrels usually eat acorns, walnuts, beechnuts. Other food items include seeds, fruits, insects, fungi, and occasional bird eggs and bird nestlings. At the end of the summer, gray squirrels will store seeds and nuts to feed on when food is scarce during the winter months.