TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida wildlife authorities have opened the state's gray squirrel hunting season.

The state Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says the season starts Saturday on private lands and runs through March 2, 2014.

The squirrels are members of the rodent family and can grow up to 20 inches long. They like wooded areas and spend most of their time on trees.

Hunters who want to look for gray squirrels on wildlife management areas should consult with the FWC, as open dates vary.

There is no open season in Florida for taking fox squirrels, which tend to be larger and have cinnamon colored bellies and tails.