Knowledgebase

squirrels #891399

Asked January 08, 2025, 4:45 PM EST

My husband and i have noted the near total absence of gray squirrels in our home in Campton. While we are saving money on black oil sunflower seeds, we miss seeing these little acrobats and their antics, and never minded "subsidizing" them with some food. Is there some disease killing them off? Last winter I noted one squirrel at our feeder who appeared to have mange. I woud appreciate any information you may have on these little backyard mammals. Thank you!

Grafton County New Hampshire

Expert Response

Hi Cynthia,

Thank you for contacting the UNH Cooperative Extension Infoline with your concerns about grey squirrels.  I have included a link to a fact sheet created in 2018 when squirrels were abundant.  Besides providing information about the habits and habitat of squirrels, it also discusses the natural cycle of fluctuations in wildlife populations. 

https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2018/10/year-gray-squirrel

https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2017/10/acorns-acorns-everywhere  This fact sheet from 2017 discusses how the amount of acorns affects the wildlife population including squirrels.

Unfortunately I was unable to find any information specifically about the squirrel population in either 2024 or 2023.

My experience is different than yours.  I live in Hillsborough county, and have found the squirrels to be abundant.   

Thank you for contacting the Infoline, a service of UNH Cooperative Extension. Replied January 09, 2025, 10:12 AM EST

Loading ...