Identification Reader's Digest North American Wildlife, Page 54.

The overall length of a gray squirrel is about 11 inches with an additional 8-10 inches added for its furry tail. Markings aren't necessary for locals to identify a gray squirrel as they are usually gray on the back and sides, whitish below; large, bushy tail.

The preferred habitat is a medium sized tree in all environments. It feeds mostly on nuts, flowers and buds of more than 24 species of oaks, 10 species of hickory, pecan, walnut and beech tree species. Maple, mulberry, hackberry, elm, chestnut, bulbs, wild cherry, dogwood, hawthorn, black gum, hazelnut, hop hornbeam and gingko fruits are among its favorites and all are available in the coastal region.

Gray Squirrels breed twice a year, an event accompanied by fights, chases, and other noisy activities. Late winter or spring litters are usually born in tree hollows; summer ones are born in leafy nests out along the branches of a tree. Males take no role in raising the young. Gray Squirrels do not hibernate.

It is amusing that much study has been made to interpret squirrel language. Gray squirrels are noisy and much vocalizations are probably idle chatter. Others have a specific meaning:

A rapid kuk, kuk, kuk means immediate danger.
A drawn out ku-u-uk, sounded at 2 second intervals, warns of less danger.
A slow kuk, kuk, kuk indicates danger has passed.
Rapid jerks of the tail are a gesture of threat.
Rapid waves of the tail are a sign of agitation
Holding the tail against the back means the danger has passed.