Graduation Year
2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree
M.S.
Degree Name
Master of Science (M.S.)
Degree Granting Department
Geosciences
Major Professor
Joni Firat, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Philip van Beynen, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Anna Pollock, Ph.D.
Keywords
Activity budget, Human interaction, Point count, Urbanization
Abstract
Urbanization has significantly altered natural habitats, impacting wildlife behavior and distribution. This study examines the behavior and land use of eastern gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) in urban and suburban environments at the University of South Florida. Using a combination of point count surveys and time-activity budgets, squirrel presence was assessed in relation to tree genera, nest locations, human activity, and infrastructure. Results indicate a significant association between squirrel presence and tree genera, with a preference for Quercus species, as well as a strong positive correlation between human infrastructure and squirrel presence. However, no significant relationship was found between human presence and squirrel distribution. Behavioral analyses revealed that squirrels primarily engaged in resting, locomotion, and foraging, with increased social behaviors observed near nests. These findings suggest that eastern gray squirrels have successfully adapted to urban environments, exhibiting flexibility in response to habitat fragmentation and human influence. Understanding these dynamics can help develop proper wildlife management strategies, ensuring coexistence between human populations and urban-dwelling species.
Scholar Commons Citation
Engel, Laura F., "Behavior and Land Use of Eastern Gray Squirrels in Urban and Suburban Environments" (2025). USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/etd/10944
