Copyrighted photo by David B. Soete The gray squirrel is one of the most commonly encountered creatures living in the Upper Delaware River region.

Gray squirrels: gutsy survivors

Gray squirrels are fast and skillful climbers, moving swiftly through treetops in leaps and bounds with the help of their bushy tails for balance. Though they see only in shades of black and white, squirrels have excellent eyesight and a keen sense of hearing and smell.

Most gray squirrels are silvery above and off-white on their undersides, with various amounts of brown shading on some. Melanism (black coloration) is a fairly common color-phase of the gray squirrel. Albinism is rare.

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Winter adventures at PEEC

DINGMANS FERRY, PA—The Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) will offer cross-country skiing treks on February 1 and February 8 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. PEEC provides the equipment and lessons for beginners. The treks cost $20 per person for PEEC members and $25 for non-members. If the weather conditions are not appropriate for skiing, PEEC will offer a guided winter hike on these days for a discounted rate.

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PFBC seeks nominees for Heritage Award

HARRISBURG, NY—The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is seeking nominations for the 2008 Ralph W. Abele Conservation Heritage Award, the highest recognition conferred by the agency. Nominations will be accepted until February 13.

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Also in this issue:

• Frost Valley YMCA holds snowshoe hike