Grey Squirrel in an Oak Tree, Sean Murray

Sciurus carolinensis (animaldiversity.org) lives in a tree of the genus Quercus (web.archive.org). It's unclear whether the interaction between the two organisms is commensal or mutualistic, as the tree is not being harmed but it is unclear whether it's obtaining any measurable gain from the squirrel's residence; the squirrel, however, gets shelter and possibly food from the tree. There is also a coating lichen covering almost the entirety of the tree. Lichen is not an organism in and of itself, but rather a reaction between moss and bacteria. Therefore, it was impossible to identify the name every organism in the sample taxonomically or colloquially. Many lichens are known to secrete an acidic byproduct that may harm the tree; however, without a proper identification its impossible to tell. Pandion haliaetus (animaldiversity.org) has been known to eat small rodents such as squirrels. As such, the tree, in which I've seen ospreys roosting, helps support both the squirrel and osprey populations in Wilmington.

Done