There are two kinds of tree squirrels in Oklahoma – the fox squirrel and the eastern gray squirrel. The fox squirrel is the larger of the two. In fact, it is the largest tree squirrel in North America. I say tree squirrel because ground squirrels, like groundhogs and prairie dogs, are much larger.
The fox squirrel is the one we see most often. It spends much of its time on the ground foraging for acorns, nuts and other food. The gray squirrel tends to be arboreal and stays up in the trees. The gray squirrel is found in the eastern and midwestern United States, including eastern Oklahoma. The fox squirrel’s distribution is similar but extends to the western edge of Oklahoma. Both nest in tree hollows, but they also build leaf nests in the branches.
The fox squirrel we have is brownish gray above and rust below. I’ve seen fox squirrels in the southeastern coastal plain of the United States that were black or sandy. The gray squirrel is gray above and whitish below.
One summer, we had a “blond” fox squirrel along our driveway. Blond is the name given to this unusual color. It’s actually a leucistic squirrel. Leucism is a defect in the development of the pigment cells.
Animals that are leucistic have normal-colored eyes and have some pigment in their skin, hair or feathers. The color is often patchy and called “piebald.” We saw it for only one summer. I suspect its light color may have made it a target for predators. The other white animal or bird is an albino. Albinism is a genetic mutation in which the melanin gene, responsible for skin, hair and eye color, is absent. The individual is white except for the eyes, which are pink because they lack pigment.
Fox Squirrel FAQ
What is a Fox Squirrel?
Fox squirrels are the largest tree squirrels native to North America, ranging from 18-29 inches long including their tail, and weighing between 1-3 pounds[1][4][5]. They have highly variable fur coloration, typically ranging from brown-grey to brown-yellow, with a brownish-orange underside[5].
Where are Fox Squirrels Found?
Fox squirrels are found throughout the eastern and central United States, extending as far south as northeastern Mexico and as far north as south central Canada[1]. They have also been introduced to western urban areas, including cities in Utah[3].
What Do Fox Squirrels Eat?
Fox squirrels are omnivores with a diverse diet, including:
- Nuts from oak, walnut, hickory, and pecan trees
- Seeds from maple, pine, and other trees
- Fruits and tree buds
- Fungi
- Insects
- Bird eggs and nestlings
- Occasional carrion[1][2]
How Do Fox Squirrels Reproduce?
- Mating occurs twice yearly: December-February and May-June
- Females can begin reproducing at 6 months old
- Pregnancy lasts about 44 days
- Average litter size is 3 young, but can range from 1-6
- Babies are born hairless and weigh 13-18 grams
- Young develop fur by 14 days and open their eyes around 30 days[1]
What are Their Unique Characteristics?
- Excellent vision, even in dim light
- Sharp claws for climbing
- Well-developed hearing and smell
- Multiple sets of vibrissae (touch-sensitive whiskers)
- Communication through sounds, scent marks, and body language[1]
What Threats Do They Face?
The primary threat to fox squirrels is habitat destruction. In some regions, only 10-20% of their original habitat remains due to logging, agriculture, and urban development[2].
How Long Do They Live?
- In captivity: Up to 18 years
- In the wild: Females may live 12 years or more, males typically shorter[5]
Citations:
[1] https://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Sciurus_niger/
[2] https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/mammals/land/southern-fox-squirrel/
[3] https://nhmu.utah.edu/articles/2023/11/salt-lake-city-fox-squirrels-top-questions
[4] https://www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife/wildlife-resources/animals/fox-squirrel/
[5] https://www.welcomewildlife.com/all-about-fox-squirrels-and-gray-squirrels/
[6] https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php
[7] https://www.backcountryhunters.org/understanding_fox_squirrels
[8] https://www.tndeer.com/threads/fox-squirrel-advice-needed.318490/
