Fox Squirrel
(Sciurus niger)
Physical Description:
- More than twice the size of the common gray squirrel
- Weighs on average 1 to 3 lbs and is 25 inches in length when mature
- Various color morphs ranging from silver to black to reddish tan
- Long bushy tails
Range:
- Eastern U.S. (except New England) east to the Dakotas, and east to Texas. Numerous subspecies exist throughout its range. In particular, the Sherman's Fox Squirrel is found extensively throughout the longleaf pine range.
Habitat Description:
- Open piney woods with a oak component to it (like turkey oak)
- Avoids pure hardwood forests and pine monocultures
- Home range of a given fox squirrel is from 10 to 40 acres in size
Feeding:
- Green pine cones (and pine seeds) comprise a large part of the fox squirrels diet in the Southeast
- In seasons of pine seed scarcity or absence the hard mast of various oak trees is utilized
- Also eat subterranean fungi (truffles) which it locates by smell
Breeding:
- 2 to 4 young per litter
- Can raise 2 litters per year
Interesting Trivia:
- Large size helps these squirrels manipulate the large cones of longleaf pine trees and to effectively run along the ground from tree to tree
- Aids in tree germination and growth through the dispersal of nitrogen fixing bacteria obtained through the consumption (and later defecation) of subterranean fungi
Status:
- Declining throughout its range
- Generally considered a species of special concern
Causes for Decline:
- Loss of mature longleaf pine/scrub oak forests through forestry and agricultural practices and urban growth.
- Fire suppression that degrades open forest conditions