Class: Mammalia Order: Rodentia Family: Sciuridae Genus: Sciurus Species: niger
The Eastern Fox Squirrel is the largest species of tree squirrel native to North America. It ranges widely across the eastern and central United States, extending into parts of Canada and northern Mexico. Known for its adaptability, this squirrel thrives in both natural and urban environments. Its fur varies from buff to orange, with a rufous or reddish-brown belly, and some populations exhibit black or silver color morphs. Fox squirrels play an important ecological role in seed dispersal and forest regeneration.
Eastern Fox Squirrels prefer open woodlands with scattered trees, especially hardwood forests dominated by oak and hickory. They avoid dense forests but adapt well to savannas, farmlands, golf courses, and urban parks. In cities, they use trees for refuge and nesting, but they will also exploit buildings and other structures for shelter. Their ability to tolerate fragmented habitats makes them successful in suburban and urban landscapes.
They are omnivorous generalists, feeding primarily on nuts (oak, hickory, walnut, pecan), seeds, fruits, and buds. They also consume fungi, insects, and occasionally bird eggs. Eastern Fox Squirrels practice scatter hoarding, burying nuts in multiple locations to retrieve them later, which aids in seed dispersal. Seasonal diet shifts occur, with nuts dominating in fall and buds or fruits in spring.
In captivity, they are generally fed a balanced mix of a high-quality rodent block which contains wheat flour, nuts (pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts), and protein isolates (whey or wheat). It also contains essential vitamins and minerals. They are also fed vegetables, nuts, seeds, and a limited number of fruits.
Help Feed Our SquirrelEastern Fox Squirrels are the biggest tree squirrels in North America, measuring 18–28 inches long (including their tail) and weighing up to 3 pounds. Their size gives them an advantage in open habitats where agility and strength help them escape predators and forage efficiently.
Unlike most mammals, fox squirrels have pink bones when viewed under UV light, which is a rare anatomical feature. This trait is due to a pigment called porphyrin in their bone tissue. It’s one of the easiest ways to distinguish them from Eastern Gray Squirrels, which have white bones.
Despite their size, fox squirrels are agile jumpers. They can leap up to 15 feet horizontally and use their bushy tail as a stabilizer during jumps. This ability helps them navigate fragmented habitats and escape predators quickly.
They have excellent vision and well-developed senses of smell and hearing. Several sets of vibrissae (thick hairs or whiskers) help them sense their environment; these are located above and below their eyes, on their chin and nose, and on each forearm.
