ALTHOUGH the gray squirrel is part of everyday life in Maine, little research has been done on the animals. Using a $2,000 grant, University of New England students began tracking squirrels two years ago with ear tags and radio collars to figure out the average age of the creatures and other information. As the United States continues to lose wildlife habitat through urbanization, ecologists say it is increasingly important to understand the ecology and niche of common species such as the Eastern grey squirrel, which is the most commonly encountered mammal in much of the East. UNE students looked at their movements relative to gender, body size and the degree of urban development. A presentation on this common creature is planned Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Topsham Public Library as part of a yearlong series of monthly community programs by Cathance River Education Alliance. The programs, every last Tuesday of the month, are free, family friendly and open to the public. They’re designed to support CREA’s mission of “Connecting our Community to Nature.” Pictured are UNE student Cody Chretien, left, and professor Noah Perlut. Visit www.creamaine.org for more information.