Eastern Fox Squirrel

Eastern Fox Squirrel

  • Species: Sciurus niger
  • Type: Mammal
  • Typical Size: 17-28 inches including tail; 1-2.5 lbs
  • Habitat Needs: Mature trees in residential areas, parks, open woods, and fields with scattered tree cover
  • Activity Period: Diurnal
  • Diet: Acorns, nuts, seeds, buds, fruit, fungi, insects, and sometimes bird eggs

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Wildlife Behavior

  • Notable Behaviors: Forages on the ground and in trees; caches food in shallow holes; builds leaf nests (dreys) or uses tree cavities; performs bold leaps between branches and utility lines
  • Attracts To Garden By: Bird feeders (especially with sunflower seeds), water sources, nut-producing trees
  • Impact on Garden: Occasionally Troublesome - raids feeders, digs up bulbs, and may gnaw on wood or wiring if nesting nearby

Favorite Plants Or Features

  • Favorite Trees/Shrubs: Oaks, pecans, walnuts, hackberries
  • Favorite Flowers/Grasses: Rarely targets specific flowers, but may dig in mulch and beds
  • Shelter Choices: Tree cavities, large leafy nests, sometimes attics or sheds if access is available

Notes

  • Interaction with Pets: Usually avoids pets but can defend itself if cornered; young squirrels are more likely to get too curious
  • Special Notes: Not migratory - remains in the same home range year-round. Peak activity in early morning and late afternoon. Often mistaken for smaller Red Squirrels (which are not found in this region).

Description

The Eastern Fox Squirrel is a bold and burly backyard regular across North Texas, easily recognized by its grizzled gray-brown coat, rusty belly, and oversized tail. Larger and less jittery than the Eastern Gray Squirrel, it struts along fence tops and tree limbs with confident ease. You’ll spot them burying acorns for winter, nesting in trees or attics, or launching daring leaps from limb to limb. Though charming to watch, they’re notorious bird feeder bandits-and once they find the buffet, they tend to stay.

Known Emberwood Members

  • The Russet Hold — collective, holders of The Tray