North Carolina is home to a surprisingly diverse squirrel population. If you spend enough time in the woods, you might spot one of five different species: the eastern gray squirrel, the red squirrel, the Carolina northern flying squirrel, the southern flying squirrel, and, of course, the fox squirrel.
The fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) is especially interesting. It’s one of the largest squirrels in North America, and its habitat and distribution in North Carolina are unique.
This article will give you a comprehensive overview of the fox squirrel in NC, including its biology, ecology, and conservation status.
How to identify a fox squirrel: Size, appearance, and other distinguishing features
Fox squirrels are pretty easy to identify, once you know what to look for.
Physical characteristics
Fox squirrels are the behemoths of the tree squirrel world. They’re the largest tree squirrel in North America, measuring a whopping 20 to 30 inches from nose to tail.
Their fur can be silver-gray, reddish-brown, or even black. You can often spot a fox squirrel by the distinctive markings on its face and its big, bushy tail.
Fox squirrel vs. gray squirrel
It’s easy to confuse a fox squirrel with the more common gray squirrel, but gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) are significantly smaller, only about 12 inches long.
Also, fox squirrels prefer more open spaces than gray squirrels do. Gray squirrels tend to hang out in dense forests, while fox squirrels prefer more sparse woodlands and edges.
Where do fox squirrels live in North Carolina?
If you’re hoping to spot a fox squirrel in North Carolina, you’ll want to look in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain regions of the state.
Fox squirrels aren’t found in the mountainous areas of North Carolina. Red squirrels, which are smaller and more agile, tend to thrive at higher elevations.
Fox squirrels prefer open woodlands, savannas, and even farmland with scattered trees. They also like areas where forests meet fields and other open spaces.
Longleaf pine forests, especially in the Coastal Plain, are prime fox squirrel habitat, and conservation efforts often focus on maintaining and restoring these ecosystems.
What do fox squirrels eat?
Fox squirrels are omnivores, so they’ll eat just about anything. But their favorites include nuts, seeds, fruits, fungi, and insects. They’ve even been known to snack on bird eggs from time to time.
Hard mast, such as acorns, hickory nuts, and pecans, are staples in a fox squirrel’s diet, especially in autumn and winter.
Fox squirrels spend a lot of time foraging on the ground, digging and searching for tasty morsels.
Like other squirrels, fox squirrels are clever hoarders. They’ll bury nuts and seeds in various locations, creating a scattered pantry for later. This behavior, known as scatter hoarding, helps them survive when food is scarce.
Nesting and Reproduction
Fox squirrels are busy nest builders, creating homes for themselves and their young.
Nest Construction
Fox squirrels build nests, called dreys, out of twigs, leaves, and moss. The nests are often in tree cavities or high up in the branches.
Reproductive Cycle
Fox squirrels usually have two breeding seasons: late winter and late summer.
A typical litter is 3 to 4 offspring, although it can be as high as 8. The female squirrel is the sole caregiver for the young.
How do fox squirrels behave?
Fox squirrels are diurnal, so they’re most active during the day. Like many animals, fox squirrels use vocalizations, scent marking, and body language to communicate.
Generally, fox squirrels live alone. The only time you’re likely to see them together is during mating season, when males and females may briefly share territory.
Threats and conservation status
Like many wild animals, fox squirrels face a number of threats, mostly stemming from human development and activity.
Habitat loss and fragmentation
Deforestation and urbanization are eating away at the available habitat for fox squirrels. As forests and fields are cleared for houses, roads, and shopping centers, fox squirrels have fewer places to live and forage.
Habitat fragmentation isolates squirrel populations, which reduces genetic diversity and makes them more vulnerable to disease and other threats.
Other threats
Roads are a significant danger to fox squirrels. Many are killed by cars as they try to cross roads in search of food or mates.
Hunting can also impact local populations, although hunting pressure has decreased in recent years.
Conservation status
Fox squirrels are not currently listed as threatened or endangered in North Carolina, but that doesn’t mean we can take them for granted.
Habitat conservation and management are essential to ensuring the long-term survival of these unique and beautiful creatures.
Closing Thoughts
Fox squirrels are fascinating animals that play an important role in North Carolina’s ecosystems. Their large size, varied coloration, and unique behaviors make them a treat to observe. But these squirrels face challenges from habitat loss and fragmentation.
Protecting and managing their habitat is crucial for ensuring their survival. Responsible land management practices, such as preserving mature forests and promoting biodiversity, are essential.
Let’s work together to protect fox squirrels and their habitat in North Carolina, so future generations can enjoy these remarkable creatures.