Fox squirrels can be distinguished from other squirrels because of its large and bushy tail. Its ears are rounded and lack the turfs which are common to most squirrels. Fox Squirrels are normally black but some also appear to be grey, red-orange or the combination of these colors. The covering of their bellies are normally lighter than what they have on their backs. The color of Fox squirrels increase in brightness with age so expect a young Fox squirrel to be pale as compared to the adult ones. These squirrels are considered to be the largest tree squirrels with its weight of at most 1.4 Kilograms and a height of 2 feet.
Fox squirrels are native to the eastern parts of South Dakota, but they can also be found somewhere in the west. According to some historical accounts, the migration patterns of Fox squirrels are dependent to the agricultural activities around their natural habitats. Record shows that these squirrels look for the most favourable habitats by following where cottonwood, elm, box and ash trees are planted. They like to inhabit such trees which are commonly grown in orchards. These squirrels have also reached the city parks and is quickie becoming comfortable living in such areas along with grey squirrels.
Most of their activities happen during sunrise and sunset; they are dormant or idle during the other parts of the day. They are not picky with food. They easily adapt to new kinds of foods, and are usually well fed because of their opportunistic nature. These squirrels spend much time on the ground, sniffing for food within the area where they are foraging. Fox squirrels normally hop around to move, their walk looks awfully awkward and I guess walking is also more difficult for them than jumping thus the preference for jumping. They do not just eat their food everywhere. Once they find food, they will take the time to carry it to their favorite "eating" place and munch on their treat there. The location might be a branch, a tree stump or a log. Fox squirrels would spend as much energy as possible to carry their food no matter how heavy to this spot.
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Right before winter, Fox squirrels will start to collect food for their winter use. Just like other squirrels, they store up food for winter because they will not be able to find food when the temperature is very low. By October, Fox Squirrels should have stored enough food to last for the entire winter season. They can burry thousands of nuts throughout autumn, these nuts are located before winter comes using their strong sense of smell.
The home range of fox squirrels is 5 acres, but in some cases, this can extend to 40 acres. Fox squirrels forage within this area without interruption from other squirrels. Within this home range, the squirrel may have multiple nests which might locate inside the hollow of trees, or in between the big branches of very large trees. Their nests are so designed to blend with its surroundings and the Fox's coverings also camouflages with the trees around it so it would be really difficult to detect these squirrels in the wild.
Fox squirrels make two kinds of nests: the shade and the winter den. The shade is intended for summer use which they inhabit for a short time only. The winter den on the other hand, is made from twigs, leaves and some mud. These materials are careful "mixed" to construct a durable nest that is safe for winter use. To keep the temperature of the den warm, squirrels line its interior with leaves. The leaves also keep the inside of the den safe from rain and strong wind. Fox squirrels hibernate, thus, they need a solid home to live during the winter season.
Fox squirrels mate from December to January and in April to June. The also follow mating rituals like the other squirrels. Females are supposed to run away from males who get to mate with them once they catch up. Fox squirrels' gestation period lasts for 45 days, other squirrels last for 30 to 60 days. They usually give birth to at least 2 Kits. The most number of Kits born in a single litter is 5. The males have nothing to do with the weaning of the Kits.
The baby fox squirrel is only 15 grams in weight. Like all squirrels when they are born, fox squirrels are also born blind, hairless and deaf. But over a span of 10 to 12 weeks, these squirrels will develop to become an adult squirrel. At 10 months, the squirrel will be ready for mating and will be able to produce Kits of her own. Fox squirrels can live up to 7 years in the wild, but when kept in captivity, their lives can be prolonged to as long as 15 years!
The common predators of Fox squirrels are Coyotes, hawks, owls, bobcats, weasels and foxes. Fox squirrels are excellent climbers although they stay in the ground most of their lives. They have this skill in order to escape their predators fast. However, Fox squirrels have no means to escape parasites that live in their bodies. They can harbour lice, fleas, ticks and mites which can cause serious health problems.
