1. Eastern Gray Squirrel:
- Size: Medium-sized squirrel with a body length of 9-12 inches and a tail length of 8-10 inches.
- Color: Gray or brownish-gray fur on the back, with a lighter underbelly.
- Tail: Bushy and typically held upright or arched over the back.
- Ears: Rounded ears, often with tufts of fur on the tips.
2. Red Squirrel:
- Size: Smaller than Eastern Gray Squirrels, with a body length of 7-10 inches and a tail length of 5-7 inches.
- Color: Rusty reddish-brown fur on the back, with a white belly and a black line running along the sides.
- Tail: Shorter and bushier compared to the Eastern Gray Squirrel, with reddish-brown coloration.
- Ears: Pointed and without tufts of fur.
3. Fox Squirrel:
- Size: Large squirrel, with a body length of 10-15 inches and a tail length of 10-12 inches.
- Color: Grayish or reddish-brown fur on the back, with a white or cream-colored belly.
- Tail: Long and bushy, with reddish-orange coloration.
- Ears: Large and pointed, with tufts of fur on the tips.
4. Northern Flying Squirrel:
- Size: Small squirrel with a body length of 4-6 inches and a tail length of 3-4 inches.
- Color: Grayish-brown fur on the back, with a white underbelly.
- Tail: Flattened and covered with fur, allowing it to glide between trees.
- Ears: Large and rounded, without tufts of fur.
5. American Red-Bellied Squirrel:
- Size: Small squirrel with a body length of 6-8 inches and a tail length of 5-6 inches.
- Color: Brownish-gray fur on the back, with a reddish-orange belly and white markings around the eyes.
- Tail: Bushy and held slightly above the body.
- Ears: Rounded, with small tufts of fur.
These are just a few examples of backyard squirrel species. Variations in size, color, and tail shape can occur within each species depending on the geographic region and habitat.