The largest tree squirrel in North America — body up to 30 inches including tail. Color ranges from bright rusty-orange (Midwest) to silver-gray with black masks (southeast). The state mammal of nothing yet — but they're unmistakable.

Also called: Eastern Fox Squirrel, Stump-eared Squirrel

Native status: Native to eastern + central US

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 25–35 cm (10–14 in); tail 23–33 cm
Weight500–1,000 g (1.1–2.2 lb) — largest US tree squirrel
LifespanWild typically 8 years; oldest documented 18
OrderRodentia
FamilySciuridae

§ Encyclopedia

The fox squirrel, also known as the eastern fox squirrel or Bryant's fox squirrel, is the largest species of tree squirrel native to North America. It is sometimes mistaken for the American red squirrel or eastern gray squirrel in areas where the species coexist, though they differ in size and coloration.The word Sciurus came from the ancient Greek words, ‘skia’ meaning shade and ‘oura’ meaning tail. Niger refers to the black coloration.

Source: Wikipedia — Fox squirrel Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Large tree squirrel with reddish-orange belly (most populations); long bushy tail (often blackish at base, orange at tip). Geographic color variation extreme.

Similar species. Eastern Gray Squirrel (smaller, gray with white belly). Red Squirrel (much smaller, rusty back, white belly).

Voice. Slower chuck-chuck calls; quieter than red squirrels.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Acorns, hickory nuts, walnuts, pecans, beech nuts (caches thousands each fall); tree buds, fruits, fungi, occasional bird eggs and nestlings.

Behavior. Largest tree squirrel in North America. Color varies dramatically across range — most populations brick-red with orange belly; southeastern populations black with white face and ears ("Sherman's" fox squirrel); midwestern populations gray with orange belly. Delmarva Peninsula subspecies was federally listed (delisted 2015 after recovery). Less arboreal than gray squirrels — spends more time foraging on ground in mature open woodlands.

§ Range

Eastern and central US into southern Canada

§ Habitat

Open deciduous forests, oak savannas, parks

§ Threats

Loss of mature oak-hickory forest, urban habitat loss, vehicle strikes.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the fox squirrel is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Maintain mature oak forests. Plant large hardwoods in yards. Drive slowly in squirrel country.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • American Society of Mammalogists
  • USFWS Delmarva Fox Squirrel Recovery
  • IUCN Red List 2016