Know your Louisiana wildlife: Episode 2

What looks to be an Eastern Grey Squirrel has a staring contest with a 300mm lens outside the 307th Bomb Wing headquarters building at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Feb. 22, 2011. Like Nutria from Episode 1, squirrels are members of the rodent family. The Eastern Grey Squirrel measures around 16-18 inches from nose to tail and weighs approximately one pound. They are active year-round and live primarily in trees. They feed on a large variety of foods, such as nuts, seeds, fungi, fruits, and of course the seed in birdfeeders. They prefer to live in cavities of trees, but when those are not available they will nest in the attics of residential homes, apartments or businesses. This can cause many problems. Home owners should pay special attention to openings where squirrels can enter and nest. Nesting materials and power lines being chewed on could cause a fire hazard. Waste products left behind can also pose a biohazard. Although there are many old wives’ tales on how to rid a building once it is infested, it’s best to contact a wildlife removal professional who can not only remove the animals safely, but identify the entry points and seal them, thus protecting the animals as well as the residents of the building. Numerous species of animals, birds and reptiles make their homes in the area. Barksdale Airmen take pride in maintaining a base that is animal friendly. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston)