SMALL WILD ANIMALS 59 



captivity the diet should consist of grain, nuts, vegetables, 

 dry bread and an occasional bone with a little meat at- 

 tached, or a raw egg. 



Before attempting to keep squirrels, one should become 

 thoroughly familiar with the local game laws, since certain 

 species are protected in many states. 



The squirrels belong to the same family (Sciurid^) as 

 the woodchuck. A great many species are known, but only 

 three are common in captivity. The one most frequently 

 kept as a pet is the Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) , 

 which ranges throughout eastern North America, from 

 southern Canada to Florida. The typical form is gray 

 above and white or brownish below. Black specimens are 

 common in many parts of the country, and pure white ones 

 are sometimes seen. These are simply melanistic and 

 albinistic phases, of course, and not distinct species. 



The Red Squirrel {Sciurus hudsonicus), divided into 

 numerous subspecies, inhabits most of the northern part of 

 North America. It is the smallest of the true squirrels and 

 always recognizable by its reddish upper parts and white 

 breast. Young Red Squirrels make excellent pets and will 

 retain their attractive ways when they become adult. Older 

 specimens, however, seldom if ever lose their wildness, and 

 are better let alone. The diet of the Red Squirrel should 

 contain more animal food than that of most other 

 species. 



The Northern Flying Squirrel (Sciurus subrinus) 

 is found, in some of its races, through northern North 

 America. In the southern states two other distinct species 

 occur, but all are essentially Flying Squirrels. Of all the 

 squirrels, these are by far the most attractive, their soft 

 fur, large, dark eyes and gentle manner setting them apart 

 from the others. Their only drawback, however, is the 

 fact that they are nocturnal in habit, spending most of the 



